President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condoled the government and people of Kogi State on the sad incident of a boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government of the state.
The boat mishap which occurred on Tuesday, led to the loss of 26 lives.
The victims of the tragedy were traders travelling from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi market in Edo State.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy in a statement on Wednesday quoted President Tinubu as expressing profound sorrow at the unfortunate incident.
Tinubu described it as shocking and unfortunate, especially as the victims were embarking on their legitimate quest to make a decent living.
Onanuga said the President commended the first responders at the accident scene and urged federal, state, and local emergency responders to step up their efforts to provide needed assistance to survivors and victims.
President Tinubu once again urges operators of water transportation to priorities safety over financial considerations in their daily business.
“He prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed and quick recovery for the injured,” the statement said.
Also, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed shock over the boat mishap which claimed 26 lives in Ibaji Local Government on Tuesday.
Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications in a statement received the news of the incident with
with deep sadness.
“This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, as well as the entire Ibaji Local Government Area, in this moment of grief.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and has directed relevant agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, to work with local authorities to provide immediate support and relief to those affected.
“The Governor further assured that the State Government will intensify ongoing efforts in collaboration with federal agencies to improve safety measures on our waterways in order to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.
“We call on our people, especially riverine communities, to always prioritize safety by avoiding overloading and by using life jackets and other precautionary measures whenever they travel by water.
“The Government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji LGA and will continue to support them through this difficult time,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), regulatory agency in charge if inland waterways is yet to speak in the incident.
All efforts to get Manager, Public Affairs of NIWA, Makama Sulaiman, to react proved abbortive.
The headquarters of NIWA is located in Lokoja, Kogi State, where the boat mishap incident occurred.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
