Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago has commiserated with the government and people of Kwara State over the boat mishap that claimed 103 lives.
The victims come from communities that share borders with Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
Governor Umar Bago, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, expressed shock and concern over the disaster.
According to him, "This is heartbreaking and sympathetic, but as people who believe in the will of Allah, we cannot question His actions, we will rather accept it and remain steadfast in Him".
He commended the efforts of Mokwa Local Government Councill Chairman and the Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for taking necessary steps to rescue some of the victims.
The Governor however advised the people especially those around riverine communities to ensure the use of live jackets when boarding a boat and avoid midnight boarding and overcrowding of boats.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of those that lost their lives and quick recovery for the injured. He prayed that Allah comfort the government of Kwara State, Patigi Emirate Council, the family and relations of the deceased.
The boat that capsized conveyed wedding guests and was said to be returning from Egboti community in Mokwa to the neighboring Kwara State between two and three o'clock in the morning when the incident occurred.
About 33 bodies have so far been recovered. The affected communities are Ebu, Dzaka, Para, and Kpada all under Patigi Emirate Council in Kwara State.
The Niger State House of Assembly has approved 20 number Special Advisers for appointment to the state government.
The House gave the nod today after the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji read the first correspondence letter sent to the House by the Executive Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, seeking their approval to appoint 20 Special Advisers.
The letter reads in part, “In compliance with section 196 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic Nigeria as amended, I write to officially request for your consent and approval of the Honourable House to enable me to commence appointment of 20 members of Special Advisers in Niger State. This is to fast-track the state government’s activities and implementation of the mandate of this administration".
However, before unanimously approving the governor's request, after exhaustive deliberation, the House cautioned the executive arm of the government to put geographical aspects and gender sensitivity into consideration to avoid the issue of marginalization.
