Disaster as boat carrying wedding guests capsizes in Kwara,over 100 Dead

No fewer than 100 people have drowned in north central Nigeria after a boat carrying families returning from a wedding sank in a river.

The accident happened in Egbu village, Patigi Local Government Area of the state.

It was reported that the boat travelling along the Niger River was carrying wedding guests who were returning on Monday morning to Kwara State from a ceremony in nearby Niger State.

Over 50 bodies of passengers have been recovered from the incident, which reportedly plunged the entire local government area into mourning.

“So far we have 103 people dead and over 100 rescued from the boat accident. Search and rescue is still ongoing which means the toll is likely to rise,”Kwara State police spokesman Okasanmi Ajayi said.

Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has expressed shock over the incident.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Tuesday, the governor commiserated with families of the victims and members of the community where the incident occurred.

The statement read, “The Governor is sad to receive reports of the boat accident involving several people, particularly residents of Ebu, Dzakan, Kpada, Kuchalu, and Sampi — all in Patigi.

“The Governor sends his heartfelt condolences to the people of these communities and those from other states. He prays to Almighty Allah to repose the souls of the victims.”