Kwara Gov AbdulRazaq mourns victims of Gwajibo boat mishap
…directs SEMA to support survivors, victims’ families
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Kwara Governor, has expressed shock over the tragic boat mishap in the Gwajibo Mudi community in the Kaiama local government area.
According to reports, the incident occurred in Gwajibo village in Niger State, a neighbouring community, involved at least 200 people heading for a Maulid nabbiy celebration.
Local authorities say only 31 people have been rescued alive as of this time.
However, the governor, in a statement by his spokesperson Rafiu Ajakaye, expressed deep concern at the devastating incident while sending his heartfelt commiserations to the Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Omar Mu’azu Shehu and the people of Gwajibo on the development.
The governor also directed the state emergency management agency to join the humanitarian efforts for the victims, the survivors, and their families.
A high-powered delegation of the state government led by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu also visited Gwajibo today to commiserate with the victims’ families.
The Informant247 had earlier reported how no fewer than 150 persons were reported missing following a boat mishap in Gbajibo, Mokwa LGA of Niger State.
Director-General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement said the incident occurred on October 1, with mostly women and children aboard the vessel with 300 persons.
The victims were said to have left the Mundi community for Gbajibo to mark the Mawlid celebration.
He noted that 150 persons were rescued following the swift response of the agency and other community volunteers.
Baba-Arah said the agency is yet to ascertain the cause of the mishap.
“The boat mishap occurred last night, Oct. 1, around 8:30 pm on the River Niger, upstream Jebba dam,” the statement reads.
“The boat carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children, was travelling from the Mundi community for Mawlid celebrations at Gbajibo.
“The agency, in collaboration with the state Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, are directing and monitoring search and rescue operations.
