106 dead in Patigi boat mishap conveying 250 wedding guests – Police commissioner
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Police Command has disclosed that the boat that capsized on Tuesday was conveying about 250 wedding guests.
The boat was heading to Ebu and Dzakan villages from Gboti, where the wedding took place, all in Patigi Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, Paul Odama said the boat accident occurred at about 0300 hours on June 12, 2023, according to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer SP Ajayi Okasanmi on Wednesday in Ilorin.
He said that Information was received by the Divisional Police Officer of Patigi Divisional Headquarters to the effect that a boat accident occurred around the River Niger axis.
“The Commissioner of Police Kwara State, CP Paul Odama immediately after receiving the information dispatched a team of policemen to join the policemen and other locals already on their way to locate the exact spot the boat accident happened to join in the rescue efforts.
“On leaving the shore, one part of the boat by the engine side collapsed where water penetrated the boat, which ultimately led to the boat capsizing. All efforts to draw the attention of the villagers hosting the wedding ceremony for assistance by the persons in the boat proved abortive, leading to the deaths of about one hundred and six (106) people.
“Among the casualties were people from Ebu village with 61 casualties, Dzakan village with 38, Kpada Village with 4 dead, and three (3) other casualties from Kogi State, putting the total number of casualties at one hundred and six (106) and the total number of rescued people at about one hundred and forty-four (144).
“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State, wishes, on behalf of the Kwara State Police Command, to commensurately share in the grief of the families of dead victims, praying that the souls of the departed rest in peace.
“He further directed that the policemen on the rescue operation should continue in the effort while providing security for the rescued victims of the accident until they are fully recovered from the shock and trauma of the accident and handed over to their families,” the statement added.
