June 14, (THEWILL) – At least 100 persons, including a father and his four children, have been confirmed dead in a boat accident on Monday, at Egbu village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Okasanmi Ajayi, said the victims were returning from a marriage ceremony at neighbouring Egboti village in Niger State.
Sources said the boat was carrying over 300 passengers on a return trip from the venue of the marriage ceremony when it was hit by a river wave at Egbu village.
The people, who gave details of the incident, said 69 persons lost their lives from Egbu village, 36 from Gakpan village and four from Kpada village in the Patigi council of the state.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, In a statement on Tuesday, commiserated with the people of Patigi over the sad incident.
“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 the efforts to save as many people as possible, who survived the mishap,” the statement said.
