Press release: Boat mishap: Sultan condoles Bagudu, calls for measures to avoid recurrence

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, has commiserated with the Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, over the tragic boat accident in Warrah, Ngaski Local Government, which claimed the lives of over 100 people, last week.

The Sultan, who was accompanied by some Emirs from Kebbi and Zamfara States was at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, on Tuesday, to offer his condolences and sympathize with the Government and people of Kebbi State, particularly the bereaved families.

According to him: " We are here in Government House, Birnin Kebbi, to condole with you, over the boat mishap in Warrah, Yauri emirate.

"The accident has really touched our lives, the enormity of the number of people who lost their lives in the accident shocked many people .

'"Whatever happened is ordained by God, we pray that, the families will have the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.

"We are hereby sympathising with the Government, people of Kebbi State and families of the deceased, over the losses of lives," he said.

The Royal Father also used the opportunity to call on relevant authorities and other critical stakeholders to take plausible measures, in order to guard against future occurrence of such accidents.

He also called for strict adherence to marine transport protocols, safety measures enforcement, such as use of life Jackets and keeping to passengers' manifest, before boarding any boat.

Responding, the Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku, appreciated the visit of the Sultan.

''We are indeed honoured by the sympathy visit by the Sultan, on behalf of Government and entire people of Kebbi, I must humbly thank the Sultan and his entourage for the visit.

"I must also acknowledge the previous visit of the Sultan to sympathize with the people and Government of Kebbi State over the flood disaster that had ravaged our farmlands, "he recalled.

Bagudu further said that, the physical presence of the Sultan has further consoled the bereaved families and people of the state.

While briefing the Sultan about the accident, Bagudu said the ill- fated boat started its journey from a place called 'Lokon Minna in Niger state, to Warrah in Kebbi State , without information on the exact number of the passengers on board.

He assured the Sultan that investigation to unravel the cause of the accident would be carried out to avoid future occurrence .

He thanked all the people, including governmental and non governmental organizations, marine police, National Inland Water Waterways Agency, NEMA, SEMA, Civil Defence and the vigilantes, among others, for their roles in the search and rescue operation.

Similarly, House of Representatives Special Committee members on the Review of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Birnin Kebbi Centre, comprising Kebbi, Zamfara and Sokoto paid a condolence visit to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu in Government House , Birnin Kebbi.

The Chairman of the Committee, Adekoya Adesegun Abdel - Majid, who is the Deputy Minority Chief Whip, commiserated with the Governor over the boat mishap and prayed to God to give the families of the deceased the courage to bear the losses.

Signed:
YAHAYA SARKI,
Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor
1/6/2021