The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (PhD) has expressed grief over the Kwara boat mishap, which claimed the lives of 104 people.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Hon. Abbas said he was deeply pained that the precious lives of over 100 of our compatriots were lost during the unfortunate incident, which occurred at the Patigi Local Government area of the state.
He said the news of the mishap was as devastating as it was heartbreaking, noting that such incident must be avoided to save the lives of Nigerians.
"My heart bleeds. I was pained and devasted at the news of the boat mishap in Kwara. The lives of 104 Nigerians were so precious, but we lost them just like that in one fell swoop.
"The incident was one too many. We must guard against such occurrence in future. Necessary actions must be taken to prevent such incident.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that lost their loved ones during the incident," Speaker Abbas said.
He sent his heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of Kwara State over the losses of lives, which he described as sorrowful.
Abbas prayed for the repose of the souls of those that lost their lives, and wished those that sustained injuries from the incident a very quick recovery.