Peter Obi mourns 200 lives lost in Niger boat tragedy

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has described the recent boat capsize in Niger State, which resulted in the death of several passengers, as a tragic event during an already difficult time.

According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the boat, which was traveling from Kogi State to Katcha Market in Niger, capsized along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger.

In his condolence message on X (formerly Twitter), Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, prayed for the eternal rest of those who lost their lives in the incident.

It read: Today (Saturday), while travelling to Yola in Adamawa state to deliver the keynote address at the 16th Founder’s Day Lecture, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), I received the very sad news of a tragic boat mishap. The incident occurred yesterday along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger, resulting in the loss of many lives.

“Reports indicate that the boat was carrying approximately 200 individuals, mainly market women and local farmers, transporting their produce to the market.

“My heart goes out to the families affected by this tragedy. These are already challenging times, and the loss of loved ones only deepens the pain. My sincere prayers are with you all.

“I also extend my deepest condolences to the government and people of Niger State. May God grant you, and all of us, the strength to endure this profound loss, and may He grant eternal rest to the departed souls.”