Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has mourned the boat accident victims in Niger and Adamawa States.
President Tinubu sent his condolences to the families of the boat accident victims in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Tuesday.
The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the recent boat mishaps in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State and Gurin village, in Fufore LGA of Adamawa State, which tragically claimed many lives, including several children.
“While expressing solidarity with the governments and people of Niger and Adamawa States as they swiftly mobilised emergency response teams and volunteers to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the incidents, the President wishes a most speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
The President of Nigeria further demanded a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the recurring tragedy of fatal boat incidents across the nation.
He also directed directs various government agencies, including law enforcement, maritime safety and transportation safety authorities to collaborate closely in identifying the root causes of the unfortunate and preventable disasters such as the boat accident.
“President Tinubu underscores his commitment to holding government agencies accountable for any regulatory or safety lapses and further instructs a comprehensive review of safety measures and a strict enforcement of existing laws on boating activities in the country,” the statement added.
He further assured the affected families and communities of the government’s continued support and his commitment to the prevention of such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
Several people lost their lives when their boat capsided in Gurin, a suburb of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The development was in less than two days after eight persons died in a boat mishap in Rugange, Yola South Local Government Area of the state.
The boat passengers were returning from farms and a naming ceremony when their boat capsized in Gurin, a suburb of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa state, on Monday.
The Executive Secretary of Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), Dr. Mohammed Suleiman stated that it happened in the afternoon and that there was an ongoing rescue effort.
Barrister Umar Bobbo Ismail, who represents Fufore/Gurin constituency at the Adamawa State House of Assembly, also confirmed the tragic incident.
One of the rescuers said that the incident could have been prevented if the passengers had used life jackets and applied other safety measures.
At least 29 people also died in a mishap involving a passenger boat carrying over 100 passengers in Gbajibo Community, Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State on Sunday.