Kwara State Police Command, has given details of the tragic boat accident which occurred in Kwara state on Monday killing over 100 wedding guests.
The command revealed that the unfortunate boat accident happened in Patigi Local Government Area of the state at about 0300 hours on June 12, 2023.
The spokesman of the command, Mr Okasanmi Ajayi said in a statement in Ilorin that information was received by the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi Divisional Headquarters to the effect that a boat accident occurred around the River Niger axis.
According to him, Commissioner of Police Kwara State, Paul Odama immediately after receiving the information dispatched a team of policemen to join the policemen and other locals already on their way to locate the exact spot the boat accident happened and in the rescue efforts.
“The boat was said to have conveyed about 250 people from a village called Gboti via Patigi after a wedding ceremony to Ebu Village and Dzakan Village, all within Patigi local government area.
“On leaving the shore, one part of the boat by the engine side collapsed where water penetrated the boat, which ultimately led to the boat capsizing.
“All efforts to draw the attention of the villagers hosting the wedding ceremony for assistance by the persons in the boat proved abortive, leading to the deaths of about 106 people.
“Among the casualties were people from Ebu Village with 61 casualties, Dzakan Village with 38, Kpada Village with 4 dead, and three other casualties from Kogi State, putting the total number of casualties at 106 and the total number of rescued people at about one 144,” the statement stated.
The Commissioner of Police, commiserated with the families of dead victims, praying that the souls of the departed rest in peace.
He further directed that the policemen on the rescue operation should continue in the effort while providing security for the rescued victims of the accident until they are fully recovered from the shock and trauma of the accident and handed over to their families.
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