•15 bodies recovered, gov mourns
From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
No fewer than 103 people lost their lives when a boat capsized on the River Niger around Patigi in Patigi Local Government, Kwara State.
The incident occurred at the early hours of yesterday as they were returning to Ebbu, Kpada and other nearby villages after a wedding ceremony at Egboti community in the state.
A resident of Patigi, Malam Isah Gimba, who made the disclosure to Daily Sun, noted that the bodies of 15 people have so far been recovered out of the over 100 on board.
The Secretary, Patigi Local Government Area, Malam Idris Pata Mohammed, said the council mobilised people to support the survivors, who cut across Zakkan in Kwara and Sanpi village in the neighbouring Kogi State. He, however, advised people residing in riverine areas to desist from night journeys, as the River Niger may overflow its banks from time to time due to downpour.
Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has commiserated with the people of Patigi on the devastating news of a boat mishap, in which dozens of people were feared killed and many others still missing. The boat, which also had people from other states on board, was travelling from Egboti in Niger State, en route Kpada in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
“The governor is sad to receive reports of the boat accident involving several people, particularly residents of Ebu, Dzakan, Kpada, Kuchalu, and Sampi — all in Patigi,” according to a government statement yesterday.
“The governor sends his heartfelt condolences to the people of these communities and those from other states. He prays to Almighty Allah to repose the souls of the victims. The governor, meanwhile, continues to monitor the rescue efforts already mounted since Monday night, in search of possible survivors. He commends the alertness of Etsu Patigi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, and other local government authorities for the efforts to save as many people as possible, who may have survived the mishap.”
The Kwara State Police command also confirmed that 103 died in the boat accident in Patigi.
The state Police public Relations Officer, Okasanmi Ajayi, who gave the update on the mishaps in a short statement yesterday evening, said while 103 died, others survived, adding that the names of the survivors would be made public as soon as they are available.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has described the boat accident as unfortunate and disheartening.
This is contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Emir’s spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari who extended the condolences of the entire members of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council to the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim Bologi II, the government and people of the state over the incident, prayed for the families of victims of the boat mishap.
“Our hearts and prayers are with you at this auspicious moment and may Almighty Allah give you all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss this incident might cause you,” the emir said.
He prayed to Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest with mercies and forgiveness.