About 100 commuters including a father and his four children have reportedly lost their lives when their boat capsised on River Niger.
The Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the people of Patigi Local Government area, who had a majority of the victims.
The sad Incident occurred on Monday.
The boat, with over 300 onboard, sources said, was travelling from Egboti in Niger State en route Kpada in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
It was gathered that river wave took the boat and hit a tree, leading to boat capsizing and leaving many people dead.
Rescue operations are underway after the accident.
A source said the boat was carrying wedding guests who were returning on Monday morning to Kwara state from a ceremony in nearby Niger state.
The passengers, he said were from Kpada, Egbu and Gakpan villages in Kwara and that the wedding had been held in Egboti village in Niger state.
He added that funerals had already been held “for at least 60 people who were killed in the accident”.
The source, who gave details of the incident, said that 69 persons lost their lives from Egbu village, 36 from Gakpan village and four from Kpada village in the Patigi local government area of the state.
Mr. Okasanmi Ajayi state police command Public Relations Officer(PPRO) confirmed the incident to journalists on Tuesday. He said the state police command has dispatched the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi local government area of the state to garner more information on the incident.
He said that there was a scanty report of a boat that capsized carrying about a 100 people in a village in Patigi local government area of the state adding that, “ I will give you more details on the incident as soon as I get more information”.
Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the people of Patigi on the devastating news.
A Statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said “The Governor is sad to receive reports of the boat accident involving several people, particularly residents of Ebu, Dzakan, Kpada, Kuchalu, and Sampi — all in Patigi.
“The Governor sends his heartfelt condolences to the people of these communities and those from other states. He prays to Almighty Allah to repose the souls of the victims.
“The Governor, meanwhile, continues to monitor the rescue efforts already mounted since Monday night in search of possible survivors. He commends the alertness of the Etsu Patigi His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II and other local government authorities for the efforts to save as many people as possible who may have survived the mishap.”
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