…as Gov speaks on unfortunate incident
No fewer than thirty-six (36) people have been confirmed dead, while a total of forty (40) have been rescued following a boat mishap that occured on Tuesday in Ibaji local government area of Kogi state.
Available information indicates that the indigenes of Onugwa and other riverine communities in Ibaji are the most affected.
Onugwa, being a riverine community, has a population of over 300 people and like similar communities, they are predominantly farmers.
The village is located along the bank of the river Niger, and serves as a major point of convergence for farmers and fishermen who travel from other nearby communities across the River Niger to Illushi in Edo State to sell their farm and aquatic produce.
The journey turned tragic when the boat ferrying about 80 passengers capsized.
The number of casualties and survivors were confirmed by the Idah Station Head of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Williams Isaac.
According to the Station Head, rescue efforts were still ongoing as at press time.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Comfort Egwaba, has expressed shock over the incident.
The governor’s representative said that immediately the State government got the information, it directed all relevant agencies to swing into action with a view to ensuring that victims were rescued.
The Governor further advised passengers traveling by boats to always adopt simple safety measures that could enhance survival in case of any unforeseen occurrences. He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest, even as he prayed for fortitude for the affected families to bear the irreplaceable losses.
