President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, to investigate the spate of boat accidents in Niger State and across the country and devise modalities to check the trend.
This is as he sent condolences to the government and people of Niger State over the boat accident which occurred Tuesday night at Mokwa local government area.
The boat, which was said to be carrying about 300 people, primarily women and children, was sailing on the Gbajibo River from the Mundi community when it capsized.
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While at least 150 people were rescued from the scene, 25 bodies have so far been recovered.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a press statement said President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead.
He said the president directed the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, to investigate the spate of boat accidents in Niger State and across the country and devise modalities to check the trend.
He was said to have ordered NIWA to expand the scope of its surveillance of inland waters to ensure people’s safety and prosecute boat operators violating the ban on night sailing.
He said President Tinubu thanked emergency workers and local divers who were working to find the remaining people.
