The Director General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Akin Olateru, says 106 fatalities were recorded in the Kwara boat mishap that took place late on Tuesday.
Mr Olateru also disclosed that 144 passengers were rescued.
The DG who made this disclosure during a press briefing in Abuja, stated that the NSIB is currently carrying out an investigation into the root cause of the unfortunate accident.
He explained that the boat capsized with about 250 passengers on board, travelling from Egboti village in Niger State to Kwara’s Patigi district.
The NSIB boss appealed to critical stakeholders and the general public to provide vital information that will help the investigation.
Reacting to the latest boat mishap, President Bola Tinubu while expressing sadness over the loss, urged the Kwara State Government and relevant Federal Government agencies to look into the circumstances surrounding the boat accident.
The president also promised that his administration would look into the challenges of inland water transportation in the country to ensure the matter of safety and operational standards are strictly adhered to.
He added that immediate relief and necessary assistance should also be provided to the survivors and families of victims.
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