By Grace Tunji , Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, sent condolences to families of the 38 victims of a boat mishap in Kirfi Local Council, Bauchi State.
Buhari in a statement made available by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu described the incident “as a devastating tragedy not only for families of victims, but also for the country.’’
The President, who has been informed of the tragedy, said: “I am profoundly touched by the death of these fellow Nigerians who had no idea they were embarking on their last journey.
“As the families of the unfortunate victims mourn, I extend my sympathies to them at this very difficult and trying moment, and pray that Allah comfort and give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The President also commiserated with the government and people of Bauchi State, urging steadfastness in prayer for the souls of the departed, and their families.
Recall that over 37 people drowned in River Kirfi in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The ugly incident was made public by the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Kirfi Local Government, Alhaji Bappa, Abdu Bara Danmalikin Bara who spoke to journalists.
He said, “I want to commiserate with the people of Kirfi, Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole over the loss of our brothers on their way to their farms.
“They boarded a canoe – 40 of them on Monday, October7, 2019, and unfortunately 38 of them were drowned. Only two persons survived.
“We discovered only two dead bodies along Badara when we conducted a search and rescue operation. Local experts searched the water ways but unfortunately we didn’t recover any more bodies of the victims. We suspect all of them drowned.”
He prayed to God to forgive the misdeeds of the deceased.
