President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolence to the families of the deceased involved in the boat accident in Niger State.
OsunDailyNG reported that at least 150 passengers are believed to be missing following a recent boat accident in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
The boat transporting over 300 individuals, predominantly women and children, capsized during a journey to celebrate Maulid on Tuesday.
The passengers were reportedly en route from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community for the Maulid festival when the tragic incident occurred.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commiserated with the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead.
Tinubu also ordered the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate the spate of boat accidents in Niger state and across the country and devise modalities to check the trend.
The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu has sent condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over a boat accident which occurred Tuesday night at Mokwa Local Government Area.
“The boat, which was said to be carrying about 300 people, primarily women and children, was sailing on the Gbajibo River from the Mundi community when it capsized.
“While at least 150 people were rescued from the scene, 25 bodies have so far been recovered. President Tinubu commiserates with the families of the victims and prays for the repose of the souls of the dead.
“The President directs the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate the spate of boat accidents in Niger state and across the country and devise modalities to check the trend.
“He orders NIWA to expand the scope of its surveillance of inland waters to ensure our people’s safety and prosecute boat operators violating the ban on night sailing.
“President Tinubu thanked emergency workers and local divers who were working to find the remaining people.”
