President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday, expressed sadness over the boat accident in Anambra state, which killed over 75 persons.
He also directed the relevant agencies to check the safety protocols on the vessels plying the waters to ensure their river worthiness.
This is according to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled ‘President Buhari expresses grief over Anambra boat accident.’
According to Shehu, “As more details are awaited, the president has directed all other rescue and relief agencies to rush to the site of the accident.
“He also directed the relevant agencies of government to check the safety protocols on these transport ferries to make sure such incidents are avoided in the future.
“President Buhari said he was saddened by the boat accident and directed that all possible efforts be made to account for all the passengers.”
The president, therefore, prayed 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 the tragic accident.
An engine boat with 85 passengers, comprising flood victims relocating to safer grounds as well as traders, had capsized in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra state on Friday.
The boat, which broke down near Onukwu Bridge at Umunankwo, was ferrying the passengers from Ossomala to Nkwo Ogbakuba market.
According to eye-witnesses, the boat floated for some time before capsizing around 9am on Friday.
Out of the 85 passengers, only nine persons were rescued as the rest reportedly drowned.
The Anambra State Coordinator, Local Emergency Management Committee, Nnamdi Esimai, said the bodies of the victims were yet to be recovered from the water as it would take a day before the bodies could float.
However, he disclosed that efforts were ongoing to evacuate the bodies once spotted.
He noted that the use of life jackets must be encouraged among the riverine people for safety at all times.
