The boat reportedly carrying 85 persons capsized following rising floods in Ogbaru area of the State, with emergency bodies confirming a death toll of 76.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has directed all relevant government agencies to ensure that all the passengers involved in the unfortunate boat mishap in Anambra state on Saturday are accounted for.
President Buhari who gave the directive on Sunday expressed sadness over the accident. He also directed relief agencies to go to the site of the incident to assist victims.
The President in a State House press release titled "President Buhari Expresses Grief Over Anambra Boat Accident," prayed for the repose of the deceased, and directed relevant government agencies to check the safety protocols on ferries to ensure such incidents are avoided in the future.
The statement read, "President @MBuhari on Sunday expressed sadness over the boat accident in Anambra state, in which dozens of people were killed.
"The boat reportedly carrying 85 persons capsized following rising floods in Ogbaru area of the State, with emergency bodies confirming a death toll of 76.
"Following the tragedy, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority @WaterwaysNG and the National Emergency Management Agency @nemanigeria have embarked on rescue and recovery missions expeditiously.
"As more details are awaited, the President has directed all other rescue & relief agencies to rush to the site of the accident.
"He also directed the relevant @NigeriaGov agencies to check the safety protocols on these ferries to make sure such incidents are avoided in the future.
"President Buhari said he was saddened by the boat accident and directed that all possible efforts be made to account for all the passengers."
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for everyone’s safety, as well as the well-being of the family members of the victims of this tragic accident,” said the President.