…DIRECTS RESCUE, RELIEF AGENCIES TO MOVE TO SCENE OF ACCIDENT
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday expressed sadness over the boat accident in Anambra State, in which 76 people were killed.
President Buhari also directed that all efforts should be made to account for all the passengers.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement on Sunday said while awaiting the details of the accident, the President directed all other rescue and relief agencies to rush to the site of the accident.
According to the statement, Buhari, also directed the relevant agencies of government to check the safety protocols on these ferry boats to make sure such incidents are avoided in the future.
“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.
“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.
“Following the tragedy, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have embarked on rescue and recovery missions expeditiously.” The President said.
