By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has donated 50 life jackets and cash support worth N1.6 million to Daudu community in Mbalagh Council Ward of Makurdi Local Government Area, LGA, following last Saturday’s boat mishap that claimed about 11 lives.

The tragic incident occurred at about 7pm when a wooden boat conveying passengers capsized during a windstorm, leading to the deaths of 11 people, including women and children.

Leading a delegation to the grieving community, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, said the intervention was aimed at providing immediate relief to the bereaved families and supporting the community in the aftermath of the disaster.

Yelwa, who commiserated with the victims’ families and community leaders, said he visited Daudu to assess the situation firsthand and identify areas where the commission could provide additional assistance.

He expressed concern over the non-use of life jackets by commuters and cautioned residents against travelling on waterways outside approved hours, stressing that adherence to safety measures was critical to preventing future tragedies.

According to him, “We are giving the community 50 life jackets, and more will come shortly. I urge everyone to wear them whenever they are crossing the river. The government cares about your safety, and you must ensure that you do not put your lives at risk,” Yelwa said.

The N-HYPPADEC boss also urged community members to monitor activities on the river closely and discourage reckless boat operation, including night travel and substance abuse by boat operators.

Responding to requests from residents, Yelwa announced plans to install solar-powered street lights in the community, drill a solar-powered borehole, and construct a block of three classrooms to replace the dilapidated Nomadic Primary School in Daudu.

He said the projects would be executed immediately as part of the commission’s intervention efforts, noting that Daudu was the latest beneficiary among the over 2,300 communities under N-HYPPADEC’s coverage.

The Managing Director later conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the deteriorating school facilities and assured residents that a functional learning environment would be provided to improve access to education for children in the area.

Also speaking during the visit, the Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Denis Iyaghigba, commended Yelwa for personally visiting the community and demonstrating commitment to the welfare of affected residents.

Iyaghigba, who demonstrated the proper use of life jackets, described the incident as avoidable and reiterated that operating on waterways outside the approved hours of 6am to 6pm remained an offence. He appealed to N-HYPPADEC to construct a jetty in the community and pledged to forward requests for an additional boat and a health facility to Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Earlier, the Chief of the Hausa Community in Benue State, Sheik Sanni Imam, accompanied by the Chief of Daudu Village, Abubakar Idris, and the leader of the Agatu community in Daudu, Abubakar Gambo, said the community had been thrown into mourning by the incident. He revealed that most of the victims were women returning from the burial of a resident who died due to the absence of a healthcare facility in the area.

He appealed for urgent government intervention in healthcare, water supply, education, electricity and agricultural support, while commending the N-HYPPADEC Managing Director for personally identifying with the community in its moment of grief.

The delegation of the Director-General of N-HYPPADEC included the Commission’s Director of Engineering, Prof. Daniel Ipilakyaa; the Benue State Coordinator, Lee Ahenjir; the Area Officer for Agatu, Robinson Ishaku; and the Area Officer for Katsina-Ala, John Mbakighir, among other staff members.

The Benue State Commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Charles Ikyaave; his Technical Adviser, Dr. Harris Dera; and other officials.