The Kwara State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed that 103 persons perished in the Monday boat mishap, which occurred on the River Niger.
The spokesman of the command, Okasanmi Ajayi, who disclosed this on Tuesday in an update on the tragedy, disclosed that others out of the about 300 passengers involved in the mishap, survived the accident.
Okasanmi said the names of survivors would be made public when available.
DAILY POST recalls that the victims were returning from a marriage ceremony in Niger State to Kwara on the River when the water wave made their boat hit a tree, resulting in the boat capsizing and leading to the death of the victims, said to be about 100.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commiserated with the people of Patigi on the devastating news of the boat mishap in which dozens of people were feared killed and many others still missing.
The boat, which also had people from other states on board, was travelling from Egboti in Niger State en route to Kpada in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara 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,” according to a government statement on Tuesday.
“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 Governor, meanwhile, continues to monitor the rescue efforts already mounted since Monday night in search of possible survivors.”
He commended the alertness of the Etsu Patigi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II and other local government authorities for their efforts to save as many people as possible who may have survived the mishap.”
