By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Tragedy occurred in Kwara State as over 100 persons, including a father and his four children lost their lives in a boat accident at Egbu village, Patigi local government area of the state on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
The State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the families and people of Patigi over the incident.
The incident, gazellenews.com gathered, occurred on Monday when the boat transporting them hit a tree due to a river wave.
The victims were guests returning from a wedding ceremony at neighbouring Egboti village in Niger State.
About 50 bodies were allegedly recovered after the incident.
One eyewitness in the village, who preferred anonymity said that the deceased persons had taken off from Kpada village.
“The boat was carrying over 300 passengers on a return trip from the venue of the ceremony.
“69 persons lost their lives from Egbu, 36 from Gakpan and four from Kpada villages in Patigi local government area. Over 75 were rescued”, the wthness said.
Contacted on Tuesday, the spokesperson of the State police command, Okasanmi Ajayi, confirmed the incident, adding that the command had dispatched the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi local government area of the state to garner more information on the incident.
According to him, “We have a scanty report of a boat that capsized carrying about a 100 people in Patigi. I will give you more details on the incident as soon as I get more information.”
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the people of Patigi over the incident.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Tuesday, the governor commiserated with families of the victims and members of the community where the incident occurred.
AbdulRazaq expressed deep sadness over the unfortunate incident, which claimed scores of lives.
“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 statement added that the governor will continue to monitor ongoing rescue efforts, hoping that there will be some survivors.
, “The Governor, meanwhile, continues to monitor the rescue efforts already mounted since Monday night in search of possible survivors,” he added.
Speaking further, Abdulrazaq commended the traditional leader of the community and local authorities for their promptness in launching rescue operations.
“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”, the statement said.
