President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sorrow over the Anambra boat disaster, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and directing additional rescue organisations to “immediately to the accident scene.”
The Nigerian president acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who “have launched on rescue and recovery missions promptly,” in a statement by his media assistant Garba Shehu.
“As more details are awaited, the President has directed all other rescue and relief agencies to rush to the site of the accident.
“He also directed the relevant agencies of government to check the safety protocols on these transport ferries to make sure such incidents are avoided in the future,” the statement read.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for everyone’s safety, as well as the well-being of the family members of the victims of this tragic accident,” the President was quoted as saying.
The event occurred when a boat that was apparently carrying 85 people sank as a result of increasing floodwaters in the state’s Ogbaru region. The death toll has been verified at 76.
In a same vein, Willie Obiano, a former governor of Anambra State, has conveyed his sympathies to the families of the victims and Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo over the disaster.
‘’I sympathise with the Government and families of the victims of the accident. This incident has added to the ugly situation following the huge deadly flooding that has displaced people from their homelands, washing away houses and farmlands,” Tony Nezianya, Publicist Obiano, quoted his principal as saying.
“The flooding has also wreaked havoc in Anambra East and West, Ayamelum as well as Ogbaru areas of the state.
“I have been informed that many have died as a result of displacements by the raging floodwaters, as well as farmlands, that have been washed away. I urge the Government to take steps to tackle the emergency head-on.
“I call on the Federal Government to offer leadership at this point to mitigate the disaster by ensuring the speedy release of ecological funds in supporting the state in tackling the emergency. Diligent intervention by all stakeholders will no doubt reduce the burden imposed by this disaster, while deliberate efforts must begin in the implementation of a permanent solution to the disaster.
“It is climate change that has now combined to worsen this yearly disaster. I share the grief of the victims of the emergency, who should endeavour to follow the Government’s wise counsel to evacuate to safety until the floodwaters recede.
“May we remember in our prayers all those that have so far died as a result of the flooding ravaging our state over the past couple of weeks.’’