Buhari mourns victims of Anambra boat accident

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Sunday, expressed sadness over the boat accident in Anambra state, which killed at least 76 persons.

He also directed the relevant agencies to check the safety protocols on the vessels plying the waters to ensure their river worthiness.

This is according to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled ‘President Buhari expresses grief over Anambra boat accident.’

The PUNCH reports that a boat reportedly carrying 85 persons capsized due to rising floods in Ogbaru area of the state, with emergency bodies confirming a death toll of 76.

Following the tragedy, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority and the National Emergency Management Agency have embarked on rescue and recovery missions.

According to Shehu, “As more details are awaited, the president has directed all other rescue and relief agencies to rush to the site of the accident.

“He also directed the relevant agencies of government to check the safety protocols on these transport ferries to make sure such incidents are avoided in the future.

“President Buhari said he was saddened by the boat accident and directed that all possible efforts be made to account for all the passengers.”

The president, therefore, prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for everyone’s safety, as well as the well-being of the family members of the victims of the tragic accident.

(Punch)