No fewer than 100 persons, including a father and his four children, have reportedly drowned in a boat accident at Egbu village, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
It was learnt that the incident occurred on Monday when the boat transporting the victims hit a tree due to a river wave.
The over 100 victims were guests returning from a wedding ceremony at neighbouring Egboti village in Niger State.
No fewer than 50 bodies were allegedly recovered after the incident.
The deceased persons were said to have taken off from Kpada village.
A village source said, “The boat was carrying over 300 passengers on a return trip from the venue of the ceremony.
“69 persons lost their lives from Egbu, 36 from Gakpan and four from Kpada villages in Patigi Local Government Area. Over 75 were rescued.”
Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Okasanmi Ajayi, confirmed the incident.
The police spokesperson said the command had dispatched the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi Local Government Area of the state to garner more information on the incident.
“We have a scanty report of a boat that capsized carrying about a 100 people in Patigi. I will give you more details on the incident as soon as I get more information,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the people of Patigi over the incident.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, described the incident as devastating and sad.
“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 statement read.
Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, similarly described the boat accident as unfortunate and disheartening.
The royal father in a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, condoled with the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim Bologi II, the government and people of the state
“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”, the Emir said.