‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned with the government and people of Kogi State over the tragic death of several persons in a boat accident that occurred on Tuesday in Ibaji Local Government Area.

‎The Kogi State Government had confirmed the incident as he expressed deep sadness.

‎ The accident that occurred on the River Niger, involved traders travelling from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State.

‎In a Wednesday statement, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “unfortunate” and said the death toll from the accident has risen to 26.

‎meanwhile, President Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate,” stating that the victims were traders embarking on their legitimate quest to make a decent living.

‎He expressed “profound sorrow” over the tragedy.

‎The statement read in part “The President expresses profound sorrow at the unfortunate incident, describing it as shocking and unfortunate, especially as the victims were embarking on their legitimate quest to make a decent living.

‎The president further lauded those who responded quickly at the scene and urged emergency agencies at the federal, state, and local levels to intensify efforts to assist survivors and victims.

‎The statement added “President Tinubu once again urges operators of water transportation to prioritise safety over financial considerations in their daily business.”

‎Tinubu prayed that the victims’ souls rest in peace while the injured recover quickly.