By Dada Ahmed.
The scene of the accident.
Photo credits:BBC.
No fewer than 103 lives lost their lives when a boat carrying about 270 passengers returning from a wedding capsized early Monday on the Niger River part of Kwara state sharing the border Niger state, north central Nigeria.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, for the Police Command in Kwara State, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, disclosed to the correspondent of The Reporter in a telephone interview from Ilorin on Tuesday.
According to him, the search for more bodies continued, assuring the public of updated information on the tragedy as soon as possible.
Our correspondent gathered that about 50 bodies were recovered as of Tuesday as the search for more bodies continues.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has commiserated with the people of Patigi on the devastating news of the boat mishap.
This is contained in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, and made available to newsmen in Ilorin.
He said the boat, which also had people from other states on board, was traveling from Egboti in Niger State en route to Kpada in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
“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 their efforts to save as many people as possible who may have survived the mishap," he said.
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