By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
A total 103 people returning from a marriage ceremony died in a boat accident at Egbu village, in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara, the State Police Command has confirmed.
The boat was said to be carrying a total of 270 people who were returning from a wedding ceremony in another village called Gboti before it capsized, sources in the community said.
However, while the initial number of people who perished at the boat accident was put at 110, police in Kwara said it ha confirmed 103 deaths.
Kwara Police Command Spokesperson, SP Ajayi Okasanmi said this while confirming the incident on Tuesday.
Okasanmi said the names of the survivors would be published soon.
The tragic incident has cast an ominous cloud of sorrow and despair on the village.
The Transition Implementation Committee Chairman, Patigi, Alhaji Mohammed Liman, put the number of passengers that died in the accident at 110.
Liman, while quoting from a statement by one Alhassan Bala Mohammed, a community leader in the area, said, “About 110 people died in the boat mishap in our area.
“We’re going to tell you about the tragedy and unforgettable memory that occurred to my people from our village and other neighbouring villages close to us.
“Our village people went to a wedding ceremony in another village called Gboti and the boat carried about 270 people, and almost 110 people were lost.”
“This is an unforgettable memory and tragedy in the history of our village,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, Mr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has sympathized with the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, and the people of Patigi over the boat mishap.
In a statement by the Speaker on Wednesday, he condoled the families of the dead and identified with those still missing, praying to God to forgive the deceased and give the families fortitude to bear the loss.
“Our heart goes out to the people of Patigi, especially those in Ebu, Dzakan, Kpada, Kuchalu, and Sampi over the boat mishap that claimed dozens of lives and left others missing.
”We also condole the Etsu Patigi over the unfortunate development; we pray to Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.
The speaker also tasked the Fire Service and the rescue team to do everything possible to ensure the recovery of those still missing alive.
(NAN)
