About 100 persons returning from a wedding in Egbu village, Pategi LGA in Kwara state to Niger state were drowned in a boat mishap.
It was learned that the boat was overloaded with over 100 passengers and with none wearing a life jacket and not minding the consequence of such behavior by the ferrymen, all the passengers meet their end. The victims large numbers of them were women and children returning to their village, Egboti, in neighbouring Niger state from across the Egbu village in Kwara to meet their ill-fate.
As of the time of this report, no survivor was reported from the rescue team as all dozens of victims recovered were dead. Meanwhile, the Governor of Kwara state, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has commensurate with the families of the victims.
This was revealed through a statement from the Government House spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaiye, saying the government will continue to support the rescue team.
The statement partly 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 statement reads.
“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.”
