Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed deep shock and sorrow following a tragic boat accident involving over 300 people from Gwajibo Mudi community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The ill-fated boat was travelling at night from Gwajibo village in Niger State, a neighbouring community to Kwara, en route to a Maulid Nabbiy celebration.
The Governor expresses deep concern at this devastating incident and sent his heartfelt commiserations to the Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar and the people of Gwajibo on the development.
Humanitarian efforts
The Governor has therefore directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to join the humanitarian efforts for the victims, the survivors, and their families.
Government delegation
Meanwhile, a high-powered delegation of the state government led by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi Salihu has visited Gwajibo to commiserate with the families of the victims.
Emir of Ilorin commiserates
Similarly, The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari commiserated with the state government over the unfortunate incidence of boat mishap which occurred on Wednesday.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, in a condolence message issued by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, commiserated with the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar, over tragic event involving over 300 people from Gwajibo Mudi community in Kaiama local government area.
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The Emir said: “The incident is regrettable, saddening and worrisome considering the number of victims and lives involved.”
He, however, commended the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his prompt action of directing the state emergency management agency to join the humanitarian efforts for the victims, the survivors, and their families.
The Emir also appealed to travellers around the riverine areas to always take precautionary measures of using safety jackets to reduce the risk of falling victim during such unfortunate boat accidents.
VON gathered that the boat capsized due to being overloaded.
As of the time of filling this report, a rescue mission was still ongoing while the number of casualties and those missing could not yet be accurately ascertained. The unfortunate incident has thrown the community into serious mourning.
However, in an interview with the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar, confirmed to VON that over 300 travellers were loaded in the capsized boat. The traditional ruler disclosed that the boat broke into two in the middle of the river.
Emir Omar disclosed that ninety-five (95) people were rescued from the capsized boat and brought to Gwajibo while the rescue mission was still ongoing. He also confirmed that fifteen (15) dead bodies have so far been recovered from the river.
According to him, a census of the entire incident is being taken and commended the prompt response of the State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Speaker and SEMA officials on what he described as an unfortunate and tragic incident.
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