Tragedy struck as close to 100 persons including a father and his four children lost their lives in a boat mishap at Egbu village in the Patigi local government area of Kwara state.
It was gathered that the occupants of the ill fated boat were returning from a marriage ceremony at neighbouring Egboti village in Niger State on Monday.
It was also gathered that the boat hit a tree following a heavy storm midway to their destination, leading to the boat capsizing and leaving many people drowned.
The entire Egboti community has been turned into mourning as no fewer than 50 bodies have so far been recovered from the incident.
Sources in the village told our correspondent that the deceased persons had taken off from Kpada village to be part of the marriage ceremony at Egboti village.
Sources also said that the boat was taking over 300 passengers on a return trip from the venue of the marriage ceremony when it capsized at Egbu village.
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The people, who gave details of the incident, said that 69 persons lost their lives from Egbu village, 36 from Gakpan village and four from Kpada village in the Patigi local government area of the state.
Contacted, the state police command Public Relations Officer(PPRO) Mr. Okasanmi Ajayi who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Tuesday said that, the state police command has dispatched the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi local government area of the state to garner more information on the incident, adding that, ” I will give you more details on the incident as soon as I get more information”.
Meanwhile Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the people of Patigi on the devastating news of a boat mishap in which dozens of people were feared killed and many others still missing.
According to the statement on the condolences issued by governor’s Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye it reads,“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,” according to a government statement on Tuesday.
“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 may have survived the mishap.”
