The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an investigation into the boat mishap in Kogi State.
Scores of people were feared dead in the accident, which occurred on Friday.
In response, the IGP “directed the Force Marine Officer to lead a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the mishap,” according to Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi’s statement released on Saturday.
“The goal is to identify relevant elements and devise concrete methods to prevent future disasters on the nation’s waterways. This inquiry will also provide insights into enhancing the overall safety and emergency response systems for water transport across the country’, the release said.
The police head expressed his sympathies to the victims’ families and the people of Kogi State, assuring them that the agency is committed to “ensure the swift rescue of missing passengers.”
“Resources and operational plans have been mobilised to intensify search and rescue efforts,” the police reported.
In addition, Egbetokun “called on waterway operators, boat owners, and other stakeholders to collaborate closely with the Force Marine Department to adopt and enforce critical safety measures for the protection of passengers and operators alike.”
Meanwhile, at least 20 persons have been rescued and eight bodies have been retrieved from the sad boat accident on the Dembo-Ebuchi section of the Niger River in Niger State.
The chairman of Katcha Local Government Area, Abdullahi Saku, confirmed the figures to Channels Television during an assessment of the area.
Saku reported that the boat was carrying over 200 passengers, mostly artisans and traders, when the accident occurred.
Rescue efforts are ongoing to recover additional bodies. Meanwhile, the community has appealed to the Federal Government to dredge the Dembo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger up to Baro, aiming to reduce the frequency of boat mishaps in the area.
Nigeria has witnessed numerous boat accidents in recent months, resulting in the deaths of many people. These incidents have been attributed to several factors, including poor regulation and oversight.as expressed concern over the crises affecting the nation, stating that Nigeria cannot afford another civil disturbance.
The Nigerian Civil War, which occurred between 1967 and 1970, claimed millions of lives. Speaking at the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, Plateau State, Gowon, who voiced his worry over the state of insecurity, prayed that Nigeria would not experience another civil war.
“All the various crises we are experiencing in Nigeria are deeply troubling. This is something that, with God’s grace, we should not be facing after our Civil War,” he said on Friday.
“I have said and prayed to God that I hope Nigeria will not endure another period of crisis like the one we experienced in the past.”
“Let us pray to God that we are beginning to see an end to all these crises. Pray to God so that He may touch the hearts of those inclined to create problems,” Gowon, who was the guest speaker at the event, said.
“For Nigeria, pray to God to touch their hearts, change them, reform them, and make them contribute to the peace and well-being of one another and of all Nigerians.”
The inaugural edition of the Plateau State Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival took place at the 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Dwoi, Jos South Local Government Area. It was attended by prominent Nigerians who have significantly contributed to the nation’s peace and unity.
In addition to Gowon, other eminent attendees included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Plateau State governors Joshua Dariye and Jonah Jang, as well as Boni Haruna of Adamawa State.
Other notable personalities included Ambassador Mary Lar, Professor Jerry Gana, retired military officers, and government officials who joined Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the carols and praise festival.
