By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has ordered investigation of the death of over 100 persons who lost their lives in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria.
The boat was ferrying people in Kwara State from a wedding in neighbouring Niger State when it capsized, the police and Kwara governor’s office said on Tuesday, without giving the cause.
The Kwara State governor’s office said the victims had been returning from a wedding ceremony to Patigi in Kwara State.
“The governor is sad to receive reports of the boat accident involving several people, particularly residents of Ebu, Dzakan, Kpada, Kuchalu, and Sampi, all in Patigi,” a statement from the governor’s office said on Tuesday.
“So far we have 103 people dead and over 100 rescued from the boat accident,” Kwara State police spokesman Okasanmi Ajayi stated.
Reacting to the incident, President Tinubu expressed sadness and ordered immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boat mishap by Kwara State Government and other relevant agencies of government.
President Tinubu also promised that his administration would look into the challenges of inland water transportation in the country to ensure the matter of safety and operational standards are strictly adhered to.
The president’s commiseration was contained in a statement on Wednesday by his Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of our people in Kwara State. That the victims were guests at a wedding ceremony made the unfortunate accident more painful.
“My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of victims of the tragic mishap. I also sympathise with the government and people of Kwara State over the accident. May all loved ones find comfort,” the President prayed.
He stated further, “The Kwara State Government and relevant federal agencies should work together to unravel the immediate and remote causes of this unfortunate accident. Immediate relief and necessary assistance should also be provided to the survivors and families of victims.”
