By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has commended the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) for its continued support and solidarity with the state, while calling for stronger collaboration on critical infrastructure and water safety initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, in Makurdi, Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, expressed appreciation to the Commission for its condolence visit following the death of the state Head of Service and the recent boat accident that claimed 11 lives.

Describing the incidents as painful and unfortunate, Dr. Ode said the state government had already commenced investigations into the boat mishap in partnership with relevant agencies to determine its causes and prevent a recurrence.

“A team from the National Safety Investigation Bureau has already visited the state to commence investigations into the tragedy,” he said, stressing that many waterway accidents could be avoided through strict compliance with established safety regulations.

The deputy governor underscored the need for stronger enforcement of safety measures, including the compulsory use of life jackets, responsible boat operations, and strict action against the use of alcohol and illicit substances by boat operators.

He assured that the state would work closely with N-HYPPADEC, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and other stakeholders to improve safety standards across Benue waterways.

Dr. Ode also lauded N-HYPPADEC for its developmental interventions in the state, particularly the construction of the Makurdi flood-control dyke, which he said had significantly reduced perennial flooding in vulnerable communities.

He appealed to the Commission to prioritise the completion of the Katsina-Ala Water Works project and improve water reticulation from the Greater Makurdi Water Works to expand access to potable water.

“We appreciate the Commission’s humanitarian and developmental interventions and urge it to sustain its partnership with the state to improve the living conditions of our people,” Dr. Ode said, expressing confidence in the leadership of Alhaji Yelwa.

In his remarks, the N-HYPPADEC Managing Director said the Commission visited Benue to identify with the government and people of the state over the death of the Head of Service, whom he described as a key figure whose sudden passing was a painful loss to the civil service.

He added that news of the boat accident emerged while arrangements for the condolence visit were underway, necessitating an immediate trip to the state.

“Recurring boat accidents in our communities are largely caused by preventable factors such as overloading, night travel, the use of defective boats, reckless handling, and the influence of alcohol or other substances,” Yelwa said.

He assured that N-HYPPADEC would engage the Benue State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, community leaders, and other stakeholders to develop practical measures to improve water transportation safety, adding that the Commission remained committed to the well-being and sustainable development of the people of Benue State.