One person has been confirmed dead, and goods worth millions of Naira were destroyed in the early hours of yesterday following a boat mishap that occurred along the Itigidi axis of the river in Cross River State.
Confirming the incident, the leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and member representing Afikpo North West, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro, said that the boat capsized following turbulence that occurred along the Itigidi axis, leading to the death of one person and the destruction of several goods.
Ikoro noted that there were over 20 women, including the boat driver, in transit, adding that the women travelled to Cross River State to buy foodstuffs, including yam, rice and garri at Itigidi, Cross River State, adding that the deceased and the other occupants of the boat are all from Ozizza community in Afikpo LGA.
He said the unfortunate incident happened while the boat was berthing at Ozizza Beach on their arrival and expressed deep sadness and regret over the unfortunate development.
“I received early this morning the heartbreaking news of the water accident involving some women from Afikpo LGA. The women were on a business trip from Cross River State when the accident occured at Itigidi in Cross River State. It involved the death of a woman from Ozizza and loss of their goods worth several millions of Naira.
“This happening at this period of time in our country is indeed very painful. I deeply feel this pain as well, knowing that the death of a man, as it is usually said, diminishes us, more so when we are directly involved.
The lawmaker promised to get close to those affected to ascertain how assistance could be rendered to wipe away the grime of this ugly incident wherever possible.
“It is my honest prayer that the families involved entrust themselves entirely to God, our father. It was in the course of honest labour and suffering for the people close to their hearts that the accident occurred, showing the greatest proof of their love for their respective families.
“I plead with these families to trust in God who has placed this burden on them,” he said.
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