Kwara Boat Mishap Claims 100 Lives

•Father, his four children affected 

•Governor mourns

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

No fewer than 100 persons including a father and his four children have reportedly lost their lives in a boat mishap at Egbu village in the Patigi local government area of Kwara State.

The incident according to THISDAY’s investigation, happened on Monday when the boat that was transporting them capsized.

It was gathered that, about 50 bodies have been recovered from the incident which has turned the entire local government area of the state into mourning.

THISDAY’s further checks revealed that, the ugly incident happened when those affected were returning from a marriage ceremony at neighbouring Egboti village in Niger State.

It was also gathered that river wave took the boat and hit a tree, leading to boat capsizing and leaving many people dead.

Sources in the village told THISDAY that the deceased had taken off from Kpada village to be part of the marriage ceremony at Egboti village, adding that the boat was taking over 300 passengers on a return trip from the venue of the marriage ceremony capsized at Egbu village.

Persons who gave details of the incident, said 69 people lost their lives from Egbu village, 36 from Gakpan village and four from Kpada village in the Patigi local government area of the state.

When contacted, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Okasanmi Ajayi, who confirmed the incident to THISDAY, yesterday, said the State Police Command has dispatched the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi local government area of the state to gather more information on the incident”.

He said there was scanty report of a boat that capsized carrying about a 100 people in a village in Patigi local government area of the state, adding that, ” I will give you more details on the incident as soon as I get more information.”.

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the people of Patigi on the devastating news of boat mishap in which dozens of people were feared killed and many others still missing.

The governor in a statement issued in Ilorin, yes on Tuesday signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, said that, “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 commended 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.