President Bola Tinubu has initiated an investigation into the recent series of boat accidents in Niger State, following a tragic incident on Tuesday night that resulted in the deaths of over 60 individuals, primarily women and children.
The accident involved a locally made wooden boat that, despite having a capacity for 100 passengers, was carrying around 300 people when it capsized in the rural Mokwa district, according to emergency officials.
In a statement released two days after the tragedy, President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the victims' families and the Niger State Government. He directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate the ongoing boat accidents in Niger State and nationwide, aiming to implement measures to prevent further incidents.
“President Tinubu commiserates with the families of the victims and prays for the repose of the souls of the deceased,” stated Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Spokesman.
The President has instructed NIWA to enhance its surveillance of inland waters to ensure public safety and to take action against boat operators who violate the ban on night sailing. He also thanked the emergency workers and local divers for their efforts in locating those still missing.
