Boat mishap: Gov Bago advises riverine communities on use of life jackets

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has advised people living in riverine communities to always use life jackets when boarding boats.

He also urged them to avoid boarding overcrowded vessels or travelling at night.

This was contained in his statement to commiserate with the government and people of Kwara State over the boat mishap that claimed 103 lives in some communities in the state bordering Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

Expressing shock and concern over the disaster, the Niger State governor said: “This is heartbreaking and sympathetic, but as people who believe in the will of Allah, we cannot question His actions, we will rather accept it and remain steadfast in Him.”

He commended the efforts of the Mokwa Local Government Council chairman and the acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for taking necessary steps to rescue the victims.

The tragedy occurred when a boat conveying wedding guests capsized.

The victims were reportedly returning from Egboti community in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State to neighbouring communities in Kwara State between 2 am and 3 am.

The affected communities include Ebu, Dzaka, Para and Kpada all under Patigi Emirate Council in Kwara State.

No fewer than 33 dead bodies have been recovered so far while the rescue mission is still ongoing.