President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday, expressed sadness over the boat accident in Ogbaru, Anambra State, which reportedly killed about 76 persons.
He also directed the relevant agencies to check the safety protocols on the vessels plying the water ways, to ensure their river worthiness.
Buhari conveyed his sadness through a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, titled: ‘President Buhari expresses grief over Anambra boat accident.’
A boat reportedly carrying 85 persons capsized due to rising floods in Ogbaru area of the State, with emergency agencies confirming a death toll of 76.
Following the tragedy, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have embarked on rescue and recovery missions.
Shehu, in the statement, said: “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.