President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday commiserated with the government and people of Kogi State over the death of several persons in a boat accident that occurred on Tuesday in Ibaji Local Government Area.
Tinubu, in through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Wedneasday, described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate,” noting that the victims were traders embarking on their legitimate quest to make a decent living.
“The President expresses profound sorrow at the unfortunate incident, describing it as shocking and unfortunate, especially as the victims were embarking on their legitimate quest to make a decent living,” the statement read.
Tinubu commended the first responders at the scene and urged federal, state, and local emergency agencies to intensify efforts to assist survivors and victims.
“President Tinubu once again urges operators of water transportation to prioritise safety over financial considerations in their daily business,” Onanuga said.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and for the quick recovery of the injured.
Earlier, confirming the incident, the Kogi State Government had expressed deep sadness over the boat accident that occurred on the River Niger, involving traders travelling from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State.
In a statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “unfortunate” and said the death toll from the accident has risen to 26.
