The National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA has described as shocking, unfortunate and clearly avoidable, the boat mishap that claimed lives of over 100 persons along the Jebba Lake Channel in Lafiagi-patigi Local Government Area of Kwara state on Monday.
In a statement issued by the authority, the management says while it commiserates with the families of those that lost their lives, the government and people of Kwara state, it will investigate the incident and prosecute those found culpable, in line with extant laws and regulations.
NIWA added that Preliminary investigations through the Area Manager in Minna/Kwara Area Office revealed that the boat driver and wedding guests were on the ill-fated voyage at about 2:30am on the fateful day.
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Furthermore, the vessel was a wooden boat, allegedly carrying more than 200 passengers at once without using life jackets. These, the authority identifies as gross overloading and misconduct.
The authority insists it will not fold its arms and allow reckless boat operators to keep flouting stipulated safety guidelines and killing innocent commuters.
About 103 persons are feared to have died in the June 12 Kwara boat accident.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
