Buhari reacts to boat mishaps in Lagos, Benue that left many dead

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to boat mishaps in Lagos and Benue that left many dead.

The President described the twin boat mishaps in Lagos and Benue states over the weekend as sad and unfortunate.

The President, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Mallam Garba Shehu, however charged water transportation travellers to take safety regulations seriously.

Two boat mishaps in Lagos and Benue states claimed an aggregate of 28 lives over the weekend.

President Buhari, however commiserated with the families of the victims, as well as governments and people of both states, tasking state governments and residents of the surrounding communities around the spots of the accidents to intensify search for victims still missing.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the families of victims of recent boat mishaps on inland water ways in Benue and Lagos States.

“Describing their deaths as ‘sad and unfortunate’, the President also condoled with the governments and people of both States.

“President Buhari, while calling on state authorities and surrounding communities to step up rescue efforts of passengers still missing, called on would-be passengers of water transportation to adhere strictly to safety regulations outlined by national and state authorities in order to prevent avoidable accidents and loss of lives and property.

According to the President, “such a call has become imperative in view of prevailing COVID-19 guidelines against overcrowding and night travels”.

He prayed that God will comfort the bereaved families and grant rest to the souls of the departed.