From Our Correspondent
Kogi State government has expressed sadness over a boat accident that claimed 26 lives on the River Niger on Tuesday evening.
The victims were mostly traders from Ibaji Local Government Area who were on their way to Illushi Market in Edo State when the boat capsised.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo described the incident as a painful loss.
Fanwo said Governor Usman Ododo had sent his condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Ibaji.
“The government and people of Kogi State received with deep sadness, the news of the boat mishap on the River Niger. This is a heartbreaking loss and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the people of Ibaji in this moment of grief,” the statement said.
Governor Ododo has directed the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, to work with local authorities to support the affected families.
He also promised that the state will work with federal agencies to improve safety on waterways.
It advised riverine communities to always take safety seriously by avoiding overcrowding in boats and making use of life jackets.
