Boat accident kills over 100 wedding guests in Kwara

Over 100 wedding guests tragically lost their lives in a boat accident that occurred in Kwara state, specifically in Egbu village within the Patigi LGA.

The incident took place when the overloaded boat capsized on the River Niger during the early hours of Tuesday. Among the victims were women and children who were returning to Patigi from Egboti, a community in Niger state. The recovery operation has sadly discovered numerous deceased individuals, while many others remain unaccounted for.

At the time of this report, no survivors have been found during the ongoing rescue operation. Kwara Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

In an official statement released on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaiye, the governor assured that the state government would actively monitor the rescue mission.

“The governor is deeply saddened by the boat accident that claimed the lives of numerous individuals, particularly residents of Ebu, Dzakan, Kpada, Kuchalu, and Sampi, all from Patigi,” the statement conveyed.

“He extends his heartfelt sympathies to the affected communities and individuals from various states. He prays to Almighty Allah to grant peace to the souls of the victims.”

The governor continues to oversee the ongoing rescue efforts, which began on Monday night, in hopes of finding any possible survivors. He commends the vigilance of the Etsu Patigi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, and other local government authorities for their dedicated endeavours to rescue as many people as possible who may have survived this tragic incident.