The Managing Director of Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, has expressed deep condolences over the boat mishap that led to the death of many in Patigi LGA of Kwara State on Monday.
Describing the event as tragic, Yelwa expressed his shock and sadness due to the significant number of casualties recorded. In a statement released by the Commission’s spokesman, Nura Tanko, Yelwa disclosed that the Commission had dispatched a team of experts from its Kwara state office to assist in search operations while awaiting a comprehensive report on the incident to guide their next line of action.
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred when a wooden boat conveying approximately 300 passengers who were returning to Ebbu after a wedding capsized, leading to the death of about 150 persons. However, the Kwara state police command, through its spokesman, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, confirmed on Tuesday in Ilorin that 103 persons died in the boat mishap.
While expressing his condolences to the family of the bereaved and praying for the quick recovery of the survivors, Yelwa also commiserated with the Kwara State Government, Patigi Emirate, and the families of the deceased.