Zamfara State Government on Saturday condoled with Kebbi State Government over the recent boat mishap at Warrah, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a boat took off from Lokon Minna, Niger State conveying traders, artisanal miners and other passengers capsized at Warrah and claimed over 100 lives.
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Leading the delegation from Zamafara on a condolence visit to Gov. Atiku Bagudu in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara said his people were shocked at what happened.
“On behalf of myself, the people and the Government of Zamfara State, we are here to condole with you, Yauri Emirate Council and the people of Kebbi State over the unfortunate incident that took place at Warrah.
“Your Excellency, this is what God Almighty has destined to happen to these families, the only thing is for us to pray to Allah (SWT) to grant them Aljannatul Firdaus.
“This incident had been happening and I am aware that you have been doing your best to make sure that people are protected from this kind of calamity but God loves them more than all of us,” he said.
Responding, Bagudu appreciated the delegation for the condolence visit and their concern for Kebbi and its people.
“For His Excellency to cut his stay in Abuja to come and commensurate with us shows the depth of feeling that exists between people of Zamfara State and the people of Kebbi State.
“The incident happened at Warrah, a boat was carrying an unspecified number of people but upward of 150 took-off from a village called Lokon Minna in Niger State around 7:00 a.m. to Warrah which is about one and a half or two hours journey,” he said.
He, however, said that at about 8:15 to 8:20 a.m. the boat broke and only 22 survivors were rescued, adding that as of Friday 72 bodies were recovered including a number of persons from Zamfara State.
Bagudu explained that most of the people that move from Warrah to Lokon Minna were artisanal miners, girls and other women who go there to sell food to the miners, “I must also condole you on the death of those from Zamfara State.
“We highly appreciate this gesture and depth of love for Kebbi State, we know how much Kebbi is dear to your heart and you have shown it yet again, in-kind donation of this incident, you have demonstrated your benevolence once more.
“We will continue to pray for you to achieve more in life, you have been a source of pride to many people including those of us in Kebbi State,” Bagudu said.