The Councillor representing Kpambo Puri Ward in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State, Rimamshong Shamaki Kwefya, has appealed to the state government and Ussa local government to provide a boat and outboard engine to improve transportation across Fikyu river.
The appeal followed a boat accident at Fikyu River on Sunday, September 27, 2026, which reportedly claimed the lives of two indigenes of the ward.
In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday in Jalingo, Kwefya, speaking on behalf of residents of Kpambo Puri Ward, described the incident as tragic and said the deaths had caused deep pain among the victims’ families and the wider community.
He said the accident had also highlighted the transportation difficulties confronting residents who depend on the river to travel to and from the ward.
“The lack of adequate means of transportation across the river poses serious risks to residents and could expose them to further accidents and loss of lives,” Kwefya said.
He, therefore, appealed to the state government and the leadership of Ussa council to urgently provide a suitable boat and outboard motor to facilitate safer movement across Fikyu River.
“The provision of the equipment would not only improve transportation but also support the socio-economic activities of residents who rely on the river for their daily activities,” he stated.
He urged the government to treat the request as an emergency, stressing that timely intervention could help prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.
The councillor expressed confidence that the state and the local governments would respond positively to the community’s appeal and address the transportation challenges along the river.
Two persons were reported drowned following the boat mishap that occurred on Fikyu river last Sunday.
Taraba boat mishap: Councillor calls for safer water transportation