Why Is Govt Quiet Over Death Of Five Igbo Traders At Ilaje? –Ondo Fishermen

Why has the government in the state kept quiet over the death of five Igbo traders at Ilaje, Ondo State?

This is the question bugging the minds of the Ondo State chapter of the Fishermen Association of Nigeria, and it has come out openly to ask the government.

President of the association, Mr Orioye Gbayisemore, decried the government’s alleged failure to officially react to the death of five Igbo traders in a boat mishap in Ilaje, much less sympathise with the bereaved families, saying the attitude left much to be desired.

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The Eagle reports that in an open letter to the Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa the fishermen association stated:

“Your Excellency, sir, you will be aware that about three weeks ago five Igbo men drowned as a result of a boat mishap in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with a press statement issued in all the national dailies by our association.

“But to our greatest surprise, the Government of Ondo State has kept deaf ears to this ugly incident without making any statement to sympathise with the families of the deceased.”

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It observed that silence by the government had led to low patronage by traders from the South-East, urging that the government provided safety measures for water commuters.

The fishermen association also implored the government to give special consideration to the artisanal fishermen in the proposed government palliatives to be supported with input and financial support.

“The removal of subsidy has worsened the situation of the people living in the riverine communities of the state.

“It takes an average of 200 litres of petrol at N700, totalling N140,000, to set out for fishing, which is the main mainstay of the riverine communities.

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“With the declaration of state of emergency in the food and agriculture sector by the Federal Government President, the fishery sector should be considered, being a critical sector that provides the cheapest protein source to the masses.

“And 65 per cent of total consumption rate come from the artisanal fishermen,” the group stated.

On the issue of the state of marine business in the state, it urged the government to declare a state of  a emergency on the decay of infrastructure in the business.