President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the boat accident in Anambra state, in which dozens of people were killed.
The boat reportedly carrying 85 persons capsized following rising floods in Ogbaru area of the state, with emergency bodies confirming a death toll of 76.
A State House statement says the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, have embarked on rescue and recovery missions expeditiously.
The statement, signed by the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, says President Buhari has directed other rescue and relief agencies to rush to the site of the accident.
The President has also directed relevant agencies of government to check the safety protocols on transport ferries to make sure such incidents are avoided in the future.
According to the statement, President Buhari has directed that possible efforts be made to account for the remaining passengers.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for everyone’s safety, as well as the well-being of the family members of the victims of this tragic accident,” said the President.
76 persons lost their lives when a boat carrying 85 passengers from Onukwu to Nkwo Ogbakuba capsized on Friday morning in Anambra State.
Source: radionigeria