“Wooden Boat was sailing at 2.30am with over 200 passengers”-NIWA

The Management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has expressed deep sorrow on the tragic boat incidence which occured in Kwara state  two day ago.

In a statement signed by Mr. Jibril Darda’u, General Manager (Corporate Affairs), NIWA, the Agency said it is deeply saddened by the Boat mishap that occurred on 12th June, 2023, along the Jebba Lake channel in the Lafiagi-Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State in which about 103 passengers are feared to have died.

“We condole with the families of those that have lost their loved ones and are particularly concerned with the huge number of casualties”.

“This accident was clearly an unfortunate and avoidable one. Preliminary investigations through our Area Manager in Minna/Kwara Area Office revealed that the boat driver and wedding guests were on the ill-fated voyage about 2:30am, which speaks volumes about the disregard for the laws regulating Inland Waterways navigation” NIWA management said

“Furthermore, for a wooded boat to have allegedly been carrying more than 200 passengers at once without using life jackets and sailing in the night was certainly gross-overloading and misconduct”.

NIWA extends commiserations to the government and people of Kwara State and promised, in line with extant laws and regulations, investigate the callous incident and prosecute those found culpable.

“NIWA as an Authority will not fold its arms and allow reckless boat operators flaunting our safety guidelines and killing innocent commuters”, the Agency said.