Saraki commiserates with Etsu Patigi, victims’ families
Death toll, following Monday’s boat tragedy at Egbu village, Patigi Local Council of Kwara State, has risen to 106 (from 103), while 144 persons have been rescued.
The police command made the disclosure in a statement signed by its spokesman, Okasanmi Ajayi, in Ilorin, the state capital.
It said the boat was conveying about 250 persons from Gboti village in Niger State to Patigi in neighbouring Kwara State, when the incident occurred.
It said the casualties were people from Egbu village (61), Dzakan village (38), Kpada village (four), and three others from Kogi State, totaling 106.
“The total number of rescued people stands at about 144,” it added.
The statement reads in part: “Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of Kwara State of the unfortunate boat accident that happened in Patigi Local Council at about 0300 hours, on June 12, 2023.
“The Divisional Police Officer of Patigi Divisional Headquarters received information, to the effect that a boat accident occurred around the River Niger axis.
“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State, Paul Odama, immediately dispatched a team of policemen to join policemen and other locals already on their way to locate the exact spot of the accident and join rescue efforts.
“On leaving the shore, one part of the boat, by the engine side, collapsed, and water penetrated the boat, which ultimately led to capsizing.”
Also, Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), in a statement by Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, said it has dispatched a team of experts to the scene of the tragedy to assist in search operations.
Meanwhile, former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has commiserated with the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, families of the victims, and people of Patigi and Kwara State.
Saraki, in a statement by his Press Officer on Home Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, described the tragedy as unfortunate and a great loss.
He called on government to conduct a proper investigation into immediate and remote causes of the mishap, with a view to putting in place measures to prevent recurrence.
