Governor of Niger expresses sorrow over 26 people dying in a boat accident

The governor of Niger expresses sorrow over 26 people dying in a boat accident

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed shock over a boat mishap that claimed several lives in communities between Jebba and Kainji Dam in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.

Bago, who spoke in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, reiterated the importance of the use of life jackets when boarding boats.

The governor also warned residents to desist from overcrowding boats.

Bago described the incident as terrible and undesirable.

“This is quite a shocking and sorrowful situation to the people of the affected communities, and I share in their sorrow. I pray that Allah will grant the deceased Aljannah Firdausi,” the governor said.

Commiserating with the families of the victims, Bago directed the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to do the needful to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

The governor prayed that Allah would comfort the families of the deceased and grant quick recovery to those injured.

It was gathered that the boat was conveying over 100 people from adjoining communities to New Gbajibo Resettlement when it capsized.

So far, 26 people, mostly women and children, have been confirmed dead, while over 30 have been rescued.

A combined rescue operation by marine police and local divers in collaboration with NSEMA is ongoing.