President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his condolences to the people of Niger State following a devastating boat accident that occurred on Tuesday night in the Mokwa Local Government Area.
The incident has left over 150 passengers unaccounted for, predominantly women and children, who were traveling to celebrate the Maulid festival.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the victims’ families.
“President Tinubu commiserates with the families of the victims and prays for the repose of the souls of the dead,” the statement read.
The ill-fated boat was reportedly carrying approximately 300 individuals when it capsized in the Gbajibo River while en route from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community. Rescuers have managed to save at least 150 people, and 25 bodies have been recovered so far.
In light of the tragedy, President Tinubu has directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the alarming frequency of boat accidents in Niger State and across Nigeria. He emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures, stating, “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.”
Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the emergency workers and local divers engaged in the ongoing search efforts. As the nation mourns this tragic loss, calls for improved waterway safety continue to gain momentum.