No fewer than 14 people have lost their lives in a boat accident in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State, after a vessel conveying wedding celebrants capsized on a river.
The tragic incident occurred at Gumbi village in Gumbi Ward when the victims were returning from Gwarzo village in Ngaski Local Government Area, where they had accompanied a bride to her husband’s home.
Eyewitness accounts said the boat, which was reportedly carrying more than 100 passengers, capsized mid-journey, throwing occupants into the water. Fourteen people — comprising 13 women and one child — were confirmed dead.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, attended the funeral prayers for the deceased and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families, the Yauri Local Government, the emirate council and residents of the area.
Represented by the Chairman of Yauri Local Government Area, Abubakar Shu’aibu, the governor urged the families to accept the tragedy as the will of God.
“I appeal to you to accept this in good faith, bearing in mind that nothing happens without the knowledge of our Creator,” the governor said.
“God does what He wants at the time He wants, and nobody has the right to question Him.”
He also prayed for divine forgiveness for the deceased and asked God to grant them Aljannatul Firdaus.
All the victims have since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites, while residents renewed calls for improved safety measures on waterways to prevent similar tragedies.
