The Kwara State government has assured survivors and families of victims who lost their lives in the boat mishap that occurred in Gwajibo community of Niger State of its support.
The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu who led a government delegation to condole the people of Gwajibo Mudi community in Kaiama local government area of Kwara State gave the assurance while he also sympathised with the people over the loss of 169 persons in the accident.
Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama, the Speaker conveyed the heartfelt sympathies of the Kwara State government to the people of the community.
“We are here on behalf of the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to register his heartfelt sadness over the unfortunate incident. As a compassionate leader, the Governor decided to send this powerful delegation to Kaiama to commiserate with the Emir, the victims, and the people of Gwajibo as well as to obtain first-hand information about the boat mishap.
“It is important to remind our people, especially the sea travelers that wearing life jackets and adherence to other safety protocols are essential in preventing this kind of sad incident. I therefore implore the sea travelers in Gwajibo and across the state in general to be making use of life jackets already provided by the government.
“On behalf of the Governor and government of Kwara State, our hearts go out to the Emir of Kaiama, the victims and families of the deceased as well as the entire community. We pray to Almighty Allah to forgive the departed, and give us all the strength needed in this trying time and beyond,” the speaker said.
The Emir of Kaiama, Alh. Muazu Omar acknowledged the pro-activeness of Governor AbdulRazaq the moment he heard of the incident.
Similarly, when he visited the Gwajibo Mudi community, the speaker and his team paid homage to the village head; Alh Ibrahim Usman where he announced the donation of N2 million for settling the medical bills of survivors and for the families of the deceased.
He assured the people that the government through the State Emergency Management Agency would also come to their aid.
Danladi-Salihu also promised that the Basic Health Centre and the primary school in the community would soon be refurbished to enhance their effectiveness.