President Tinubu Mourns Death Of Boat Accident Victims, Demands Investigation Into Mishaps

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the victims, who died in the boat mishaps of Sunday and Monday, before demanding a comprehensive investigation into the recurring fatal accidents.

The incident in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State took place on Sunday, leading to the death of 30 people. Meanwhile, the mishap in Gurin village, in Fufore LGA of Adamawa State, happened on Monday and saw the death of 11.

"While expressing solidarity with the governments and people of Niger and Adamawa States as they swiftly mobilized emergency response teams and volunteers to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the incidents, the President wishes a most speedy recovery to those who were injured," a statement by the president's Special Adviser, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said.

The statement further disclosed that the president has demanded a thorough and comprehensive investigation into this recurring tragedy of fatal boat incidents happening across Nigeria.

More than 900 people have died in boat accidents in Nigeria between January 2020 and September 2023, a report by Punch said.

Last year, a boat carrying 85 passengers capsized, leading to the death of 76 people in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. In May, 15 children drowned, while 25 people went missing, after a boat capsized in a river in Sokoto state.

In the same month, eight people died in Gusau, Zamfara in a boat accident. Whereas, in the month of June, 106 people died in the Kwara boat accident. A total of 300 people were on the boat, which was returning from a wedding in northern Nigeria, as per police spokesman Okasanmi Ajayi.

In August, 12 people died in River Kogi Kungra Kamfani in Arikiya, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

In the wake of too many accidents within the last three years, the president directed various government agencies, including law enforcement, maritime safety, and transportation safety authorities, to work together to find out the root cause of these unfortunate and preventable disasters.

President Tinubu promised to hold "government agencies accountable for any regulatory or safety lapses and further instructs a comprehensive review of safety measures and a strict enforcement of existing laws on boating activities in the country."

"The President assures the affected families and communities of the government's continued support and his commitment to the prevention of such tragic incidents from occurring in the future," the statement concluded.