A dark pall of mourning has come over the people of Kwara State following a boat mishap in which over 100 people are feared to have drowned with many others unaccounted for.
The boat carrying the passengers was sailing down the River Niger from Niger State to Kwara when it capsized emptying the passengers and their belongings into the river.
It is not yet known what caused the accident.
Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed the tragic incident and expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and the communities of the victims.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor said that the accident, which happened on Monday morning, involved people returning from a wedding ceremony in Niger State.
“The Governor is sad to receive reports of the boat accident involving several people, particularly residents of Ebu, Dzakan, Kpada, Kuchalu, and Sampi — all in Patigi(local government).
“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.
The Etsu Pategi, <span;>His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, was quoted to have <span;> said that more than 150 people have now been confirmed dead.
However, no official statement has come from the police to give the actual number of passengers in the boat before it went under.
Meanwhile Governor Abdulrazaq has been monitoring rescue efforts since Monday night with the hope that some survIvors of the ill-fated boat could be found.
Accidents involving passenger-laden boats are not uncommon in Nigeria’s waterways. Last month in nearby Sokoto State a boat capsized resulting to the death of 14 people.