Boat mishap
Update: Death toll may hit 160 as more dead bodies recovered in Kwara boat mishap
There are fears that death toll is hitting 160 as more bodies are being recovered in a boat mishap involving at least 200 people at the Gwajibo Mudi community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Local authorities, however, say only 31 people have been rescued alive as of Wednesday evening.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Kwara State governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, confirmed the development, saying rescue efforts were still ongoing.
He said, in a statement, that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to support survivors and families of the victims of the boat mishap.
According to him, “Governor Abdulrazaq is shocked and saddened over the tragic boat mishap involving at least 200 people from the Gwajibo Mudi community in the Kaiama local government area.
“The incident occurred in Gwajibo village in Niger State, a neighbouring community where the boat was headed for a Maulid nabbiy celebration.
“Local authorities say only 31 people have been rescued alive as of this time.
“The governor expresses deep concern at this devastating incident and sends his heartfelt commiserations to the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Mohammed Mu’azu Shehu, and the people of Gwajibo on the development.
“The governor has directed the state emergency management agency to join the humanitarian efforts for the victims, the survivors, and their families.
“A high-powered delegation of the state government led by Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu is also visiting Gwajibo today to commiserate with the families of the victims.”