Kebbi gov laments 14 wedding guests lost in Yauri boat mishap
The Kebbi State Government has mourned the death of 14 persons who perished in a boat accident in Yauri Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, said to be mostly women, were returning from a wedding ceremony when the boat conveying them reportedly capsized.
Governor Nasir Idris, popularly called Kauran Gwandu, condoled with the bereaved families, the Yauri Emirate and residents of the area, describing the incident as devastating and a huge loss to the state.
The tragic incident occurred in Gumbi village, Yauri LGA. It was gathered that the deceased were among those who had accompanied a bride to her matrimonial home in Gwarzo village, Ngaski Local Government Area, and were heading back when the mishap happened midstream.
Represented at the funeral prayers by the Yauri Local Government Chairman, Abubakar Shu’aibu, the governor urged the grieving families to take solace in God and accept the tragedy as an act of divine will.
He appealed to them to remain steadfast, noting that no event occurs without the knowledge of the Almighty.
Giving further insight into the accident, Shu’aibu disclosed that more than 100 passengers were reportedly on board when the overloaded boat overturned, throwing occupants into the river.
He said 14 persons: 13 women and a child, lost their lives in the incident.
According to him, the deceased were laid to rest in line with Islamic injunctions, with prayers offered for the forgiveness of their sins and eternal rest.
The development has again drawn attention to the recurring cases of boat mishaps in riverine parts of Kebbi, where waterways serve as a major mode of transportation, especially during social gatherings and commercial activities.
The state government reaffirmed its sympathy with the people of Yauri and pledged support to the affected families as the community grapples with one of the deadliest boat accidents recorded in the area in recent times.