President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by a devastating boat accident in Niger State that left numerous people dead or missing.
The tragic incident, which occurred in Mokwa Local Government Area on Tuesday, involved a boat carrying over 300 passengers, most of them women and children. The passengers were traveling to Gbajibo Community from Mundi Community to celebrate the Maulid festival when the boat capsized.
According to reports, more than 150 passengers are still unaccounted for, while rescue teams have managed to save around 150 people. So far, 25 bodies have been recovered from the scene.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. He extended prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives and offered his sympathy to the grieving families. The president also praised the efforts of emergency workers and local divers who have been working tirelessly to search for the remaining passengers.
President Tinubu ordered an immediate investigation by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) into the causes of the recent spate of boat accidents in Niger State and across Nigeria. He stressed the importance of finding long-term solutions to prevent further tragedies on the country’s waterways.
The president’s statement read, “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.”
