The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the boat accident in Anambra state, in which dozens of people were killed.
According to him, he was saddened by the boat accident, and even as he ordered that all possible efforts be made to account for all the passengers.
According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the boat reportedly carrying 85 persons capsized following rising floods in Ogbaru area of the state, with emergency bodies confirming a death toll of 76.
Following the tragedy, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have embarked on rescue and recovery missions expeditiously.
Buhari said as more details are awaited, he has directed all other rescue and relief agencies to rush to the site of the accident.
He said he has also directed the relevant agencies of government to check the safety protocols on these transport ferries to make sure such incidents are avoided in the future.
‘I pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for everyone’s safety, as well as the well-being of the family members of the victims of this tragic accident,’ said the President.
The Eastern Updates had earlier reported that tragedy struck when reports filtered in that an unspecified number of people have been feared dead during the weekend.
Reports gathered by The Eastern Updates have also revealed that 76 of the passengers were still unaccounted for while adding that the engine boat took off from Onukwu Bridge and was heading to Nkwo market, Ogbakuba before it capsized.
A former House of Representatives member from the area, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, expressed shock and deep sorrow over the development which he said claimed the lives of several people.
The Eastern Updates
