The Managing Director, Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, has described as tragic, the boat accident that claimed over 100 lives on the River Niger in Patigi local government area of Kwara State.
In a statement by the Head, Press and Public Affairs of HYPPADEC, Nura Tanko Wakili, the HYPPADEC Chief Executive described the incident as shocking and sad due to the high number of casualties recorded, adding that the Commission has already dispatched a team of experts from its Kwara state office to the scene to assist in search and rescue operations, while they await a comprehensive report on the incident in order to be well guided on the next line of action to be taken to forestall a recurrence.
The incident, according to reports, occurred when a wooden boat carrying about 300 people that was returning to Ebbu after a wedding ceremony capsized, claiming several lives.
HYPPADEC MD, who expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased, prayed for quick recovery of the survivors who sustained injuries in the dastardly incident.
He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Kwara State Government and Patigi Emirate and the family of the deceased on the sad incident.