President Bola Tinubu has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State over the tragic boat accident that occurred on Tuesday night at Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.
News About Nigeria earlier reported that, the boat, which was said to have been carrying about 300 people, primarily women and children, was sailing on the Gbajibo River from the Mundi community when it capsized.
According to the Niger State Emergency Agency, at least 150 people have been rescued from the scene, while about 60 bodies have so far been recovered.
Reacting to the tragedy in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead.
While sympathising with the families of the victims, the President prayed that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the tragedy.
Tinubu also ordered the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate the cause of the boat Mishap, so, there won’t be a repetition of such.
The statement which was titled ‘President Tinubu mourns victims of Niger boat accident,’ reads, “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.”
