A boat mishap at Egbu village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State has claimed the lives of no fewer than 100 persons, including a father and his four children.
Reports said the tragic incident occurred on Monday when the man and his family were returning from a marriage ceremony at neighbouring Egboti village in Niger State.
According to the reports, raging river waves swept the boat to hit a tree, leading to its capsizing with many lives lost in the process.
With about 50 bodies have so far recovered from the boat accident at press time, the reports indicated that the tragedy has thrown the entire Egboti community into mourning.
Sources in the village said the deceased persons took off from Kpada village to participate in the marriage ceremony at Egboti village, adding that the boat was carrying over 300 passengers on a return trip from the marriage venue when the accident happened at Egbu village.
It was reliably learnt that about 69 persons lost their lives from Egbu village, 36 from Gakpan village and four from Kpada village in the Patigi Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the unfortunate incident, the Public Relations Officer of Kwara Police Command, Mr Okasanmi Ajayi, said the Command had despatched the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi council to get more information on the incident.
He told some reporters that information on the tragic incident in Patigi was still scanty, but promised thus; “I will give you people details on the incident as soon as I get more information.” – With agency reports
