The Kwara State Police Command has provided a comprehensive report on the devastating boat accident that occurred on Monday, resulting in the loss of more than 100 lives.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of June 12, 2023, in the Patigi Local Government Area of the state.
SP Okasanmi Ajayi, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, released a statement on Wednesday, shedding light on the unfortunate event.
According to Ajayi, the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi Divisional Headquarters received information about a boat accident near the River Niger axis.
As soon as Commissioner of Police Kwara State, Paul Odama, was informed of the incident, he promptly dispatched a team of police officers to join the local residents who were already en route to the scene of the accident.
Their primary objective was to assist in the rescue efforts and ascertain the exact location where the boat mishap had taken place.
The ill-fated boat, carrying approximately 250 passengers who had attended a wedding ceremony in Gboti village, was en route to Ebu Village and Dzakan Village, both within the Patigi local government area.
Tragically, disaster struck as the boat departed from the shore. The side of the boat near the engine collapsed, causing water to flood in and ultimately resulting in the boat capsizing.
Heartbreakingly, despite desperate attempts by the passengers to seek assistance from the villagers hosting the wedding ceremony, their pleas went unanswered. Regrettably, this led to the devastating loss of 106 lives.
The casualties were primarily from Ebu Village, with 61 lives lost, followed by Dzakan Village with 38 fatalities. Kpada Village suffered four casualties, and an additional three victims hailed from Kogi State.
Consequently, the total number of lives lost in this tragic incident amounts to 106, while approximately 144 individuals were successfully rescued.
Expressing deep condolences, Commissioner Paul Odama extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased victims, offering prayers for the repose of their souls.
Furthermore, Commissioner Odama issued directives for the police officers involved in the ongoing rescue operation. Their duties include providing security to the rescued victims until they fully recover from the shock and trauma of the accident. The individuals will then be reunited with their families.
As the affected families mourn their loved ones, the entire nation stands in solidarity with them, sharing their grief and offering support during this difficult time.
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