A boat mishap at Egbu village in Kwara state’s Patigi local government area is said to have killed about 100 people, including a father and his four children.
Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed his condolences to the people of Patigi following the terrible news of a boat mishap in which dozens of people reportedly lost their lives and several others still missing.
The accident reportedly occurred on Monday, while the deceased were returning from a marriage ceremony in nearby Egboti village, Niger State.
Sources in the village stated that the boat which took over 300 passengers, took off from Kpada village to be part of the marriage ceremony at Egboti village.
It was reported that the boat was drifted away by river waves which caused it to hit a tree, causing it to capsize, leading to the death of many.
As a result, the entire Egboti community is in mourning, since no less than 50 bodies have been found from the mishap.
According to witnesses, 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.
Reacting to the incident, Rafiu Ajakaye Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated that “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”.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, Mr. Okasanmi Ajayi, Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Police Command, said that the state police command has despatched the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi local government area of the state to garner more information on the incident.
