President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) has expressed sadness with the people of Kwara State following the boat mishap that claimed many lives while ordering a thorough investigation.
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of at least 103 people in the boat mishap which occurred in the Patigi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara on Monday.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of our people in Kwara State,” Tinubu said in the statement signed by his spokesperson, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
“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.
While urging the Kwara State Government and relevant Federal Government agencies to look into the circumstances surrounding the boat accident, President Tinubu 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 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,” the President said.
According to the Kwara Police spokesperson, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, the deceased were all returning from a wedding in nearby Niger State on Monday when the boat that was transporting them capsized.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Transition Implementation Committee in Patigi LGA, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Liman, stated that approximately 110 passengers lost their lives in the accident.
On the other hand, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has commiserated with the people of Patigi on the boat mishap which killed many while some other people are still missing.
In a statement on Tuesday, the governor expressed sadness with the reports of the boat accident involving several people, particularly residents of Ebu, Dzakan, Kpada, Kuchalu and Sampi all in Patigi.
THEGUARDIAN
