Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has sympathised with his Kwara counterpart, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the people over the recent boat mishap that claimed over 100 lives, describing the incident as heartbreaking.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor urged those living in the riverine communities to always sport live jackets, avoid midnight travels and over-crowding.
The victims were from communities that share borders with Mokwa Council of Niger State.
While acknowledging rescue efforts of the council chairman and Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Bago prayed for the repose of the departed souls.
Recall that a boat, conveying wedding guests, capsized on Monday, June 12, while returning from Egboti community in Mokwa Council of Niger to neighbouring Kwara State in the wee hours of 2:00a.m to 3:00a.m.
The Guardian reliably learnt that 33 bodies have been recovered.
The affected communities consist of Ebu; Dzaka; Para and Kpada, all in Pategi Emirate Council of Kwara State.
Also, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, registered his condolences.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, the governor said the accident “is deeply saddening,” reiterating the need for safety on the waterways to avoid future tragedies.
Obaseki said: ‘I extend heartfelt condolences to you, my brother, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the government and the good people of Kwara State over the unfortunate boat mishap in Pategi Local Government Area of the state, which resulted in the death of about 100 persons.
“The incident is deeply saddening and our prayers are with the families and friends of the victims, as well as the injured.
“It is even more painful that the deceased persons were guests at a wedding ceremony, which is supposed to be a moment of celebration and merriment.
“In the light of this unfortunate incident, it is pertinent to reiterate the call for safety on the waterways to avoid tragedies such as this one.”
