Kwara gov expresses dismay as boat conveying 100 wedding guests capsizes

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has expressed dismay over the news of no fewer than 100 people who are feared dead in a boat accident in Egbu village, in the Patigi Local Government Area of the state, Punch reports.

The boat was said to be transporting wedding guests who were returning to Kwara State on Monday morning from a ceremony in neighboring Niger State.

The governor expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and residents of the community where the incident occurred in a statement released on Tuesday by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

He conveyed his profound sorrow at the regrettable occurrence, which resulted in many fatalities.

The statement read, “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 will continue to keep an eye on current rescue attempts in the hopes that there will be some survivors, the statement continued.

He added, “The Governor, meanwhile, continues to monitor the rescue efforts already mounted since Monday night in search of possible survivors.

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.

As of the time of this report, the police are yet to confirm how many people have died or how many were on board the boat, which was reportedly overloaded.