PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu today called for an investigation into the recent boat accidents in Niger State, which has seen a rise in such incidents.
The most recent tragedy occurred on Tuesday night, claiming the lives of at least 60 people, mostly women and children.
According to an emergency official yesterday, the accident involved a locally made wooden boat with a capacity of 100 passengers but was carrying around 300 people when it capsized in the rural Mokwa district.
In response, President Tinubu expressed his sorrow for the victims and extended his condolences to the Niger State Government.
He directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate the increasing number of boat accidents in Niger State and nationwide, and to implement measures to prevent further incidents.
A statement from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said, “President Tinubu extends his condolences to the families of the victims and prays for the peaceful repose of the departed.” The statement added that the President instructed NIWA to enhance its monitoring of inland waterways to ensure public safety and to prosecute boat operators violating the night sailing ban.
President Tinubu also commended the workers and local divers for their efforts in searching for the missing persons.