Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commiserated with the people of Ibaji Local Government Area over the recent boat mishap on the River Niger that claimed more than 20 lives.
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‎Ododo, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, paid a condolence visit to the Ejeh of Ibaji and Chairman of Ibaji Area Traditional Council, Chief John Egwemi, at his residence in Idah.
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‎Speaking during the visit, Salifu said the governor was deeply saddened by the tragedy and had directed the continuation of rescue and recovery efforts until all victims were accounted for.
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‎“We want to assure you that Ibaji is not alone; the government stands firmly with you in this trying period,” Salifu said on behalf of the governor.
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‎He added that Governor Ododo had dispatched a delegation to the scene of the accident to ascertain the level of casualties to work with emergency agencies, and provide immediate relief for survivors and bereaved families.
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‎In his response, Chief Egwemi thanked the governor for the visit and described the incident as a painful tragedy that left the community in grief.
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‎He noted that while many lives were lost, some passengers had been rescued and that recovery efforts for those still missing were ongoing.
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‎Recall that Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) reported that the boat mishap occurred on Tuesday when a boat carrying several passengers capsized on the River Niger, resulting in multiple fatalities, while several others remain unaccounted for.