Tinubu expresses condolences for victims of Niger boat mishap

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over a boat accident which occurred on Tuesday night at Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

Tinubu in his condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, prayed for the repose of the deceased souls.

The boat, which was said to have carried about 300 people, mainly women and children, was sailing on the Gbajibo River from the Mundi community when it capsized. While at least 150 people were rescued from the scene, 25 bodies have so far been recovered.

Onanuga said, “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.”

However, Tinubu appreciated emergency workers and local divers working to find the remaining people.