President Buhari Saddened By Katsina Boat Mishap

President Muhammadu Buhari has said he is extremely pained by the death of several people in a boat mishap at Mai’aduwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Reacting to the incident in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu on Friday in Abuja, the President said he was shocked by the unfortunate report.

The boat was carrying mostly children returning from Sallah celebrations.

The statement reads; “My thoughts are with the bereaved families.

“Right now, rescue operations by the state government and National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, are ongoing at the site of the tragedy, hoping to rescue missing passengers.

“NIWA has been directed to provide more life jackets to the communities in the areas.

"I pray for the repose of the deceased and for the safety of everyone on board.”

The president warned against the use of rickety boats, overloading and none use of life jackets which had been associated with frequent boat mishaps in the country.