The North East Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with the Yobe State Government, has delivered lifesaving equipment and relief materials to Ngarbi, a riverine community in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Items donated by NEDC include 100 life jackets, 10 inflatable rescue boats with paddles, pumps, and toolkits, as well as two speedboats fitted with electric hydraulic davits.
Other items include food and non-food materials such as bags of rice, mats, blankets, and children’s clothing for the relatives of the victims.
The intervention followed the January 3 canoe mishap involving more than 50 passengers travelling from the Adiyani community in the Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Ngarbi in Yobe.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held in Ngarbi, the NEDC Yobe State Coordinator, Prof. Ali Ibrahim Abbas, said the intervention was part of efforts to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.
“This support is not only for Ngarbi but for other riverine communities across Yobe State.
“Our aim is to strengthen safety measures, improve emergency response, and reduce the risks associated with water transportation,” he said.
According to him, the food and relief materials would be distributed to families of the deceased, volunteer rescue teams, and community leaders, especially to support them during the Ramadan period.
He added that NEDC engineers had conducted safety checks and that training sessions would soon begin for selected operators and local responders to ensure proper use and maintenance of the equipment.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Yobe State Government, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Mohammed Goje, commended NEDC for fulfilling its pledge.
He noted that the intervention aligns with the disaster management reforms being championed by Governor Mai Mala Buni, which focus on prevention rather than mere response.
“We must change our attitude. Overloading of boats must stop. Night sailing is dangerous and should be avoided. No one should travel without wearing a life jacket,” Dr. Goje said.
He stated that security agencies and community vigilante groups would be encouraged to enforce compliance to safeguard lives.
The Executive Chairman of Nguru Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Mairami, represented by the Council Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, lauded the Yobe state government and NEDC for responding to the community’s needs.
“We pray we never witness such a tragedy again. If we use these items properly, lives will be saved,” he said.
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