President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the government and people of Niger State following a tragic boat mishap that occurred on Tuesday night in Mokwa Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to thoroughly investigate the frequent occurrence of boat accidents in the state and nationwide.
He further urged the agency to develop measures to curb such incidents.
The ill-fated boat, reportedly carrying around 300 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized while navigating the Gbajibo River from the Mundi community. So far, at least 150 people have been rescued, while 25 bodies have been recovered.
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President Tinubu extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the departed souls.
He also ordered NIWA to enhance its surveillance of inland waterways to safeguard lives and enforce strict penalties on boat operators flouting the ban on night voyages.
The President acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of emergency responders and local divers still involved in the ongoing rescue operation.
