President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the Anambra boat mishap, condoling the families of the victims and also directing more rescue relief agencies to “rush to the site of the accident”.
The incident happened when a boat reportedly carrying 85 persons capsized following rising floods in the Ogbaru area of the state. Emergency agencies confirmed a death toll of 76.
In a statement by his media aide Garba Shehu, the President noted the efforts of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) who “have embarked on rescue and recovery missions expeditiously”.
“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,” the statement read.
“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,” the President was quoted as saying.
