The Kwara State Government has announced a donation of N2 million to cover the medical expenses of the survivors of the tragic boat mishap that occurred in Gbajigbo village, Kaiama Local Government Area. The accident, which involved over 200 people, claimed many lives as they were en route to attend the annual Maulud celebration in Mokwa Local Government of Niger State.

The donation was made public on Friday by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, who led a government delegation to visit and console the people of Gbajigbo. Danladi-Salihu conveyed the government's heartfelt condolences and pledged continuous support for the survivors.

Over 50 survivors were rescued from the accident and are receiving treatment at the Primary Health Center in Gbajigbo. The government’s financial assistance aims to alleviate the medical costs for those affected by the disaster.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Sheu Yusuf, made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday, the delegation conveyed the heartfelt sympathies of the government at the palace of the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Kiyaru IV before proceeding to Gbajigbo.

Danladi-Salihu explained that the incident left Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq saddened.

“We are here on behalf of the Governor to register his heartfelt sadness over the unfortunate incident. As a compassionate leader, the Governor decided to send this powerful delegation to Kaiama to commiserate with the Emir, the victims, and the people of Gbajigbo as well as to obtain first-hand information about the boat mishap,” the Speaker stated.

He mentioned “It is important to remind our people, especially the sea travellers that wearing life jackets and adherence to other safety protocols are essential in preventing this kind of sad incident. I, therefore, implore the sea travellers in Gbajigbo and across the state, in general, to make use of life jackets already provided by the government.

“On behalf of the Governor and government of Kwara State, our hearts go out to the Emir of Kaiama, victims and families of the deceased as well as the entire community.”

The Emir of Kaiama while responding to the message of the state delegation acknowledged the proactiveness of Governor AbdulRazaq the moment he heard of the incident and also appreciated the delegation praying for their safe travels in and out of Kaiama.

Danladi-Salihu later departed to Gbajigbo where he visited the survivors of the mishap and the port of departure of the capsized boat in the company of the Ciroma of Kaiama Emirate, Alhaji Muhammad Umar, and other community leaders.

“The Speaker, earlier in Gbajigbo paid homage to the village head; Alhaji Ibrahim Usman and interacted with the stakeholders in the community where they commended AbdulRazaq for his prompt response to the mishap and his fatherly disposition to the people of the community. They prayed for the Governor and the government of Kwara State.

“At the interactive session with the stakeholders, the Speaker announced the cash donation of a sum of Two (2) Million Naira for the medical bills of the survivors of the mishap and the family of the deceased, assuring that the government through the State Emergency Management Agency would also come to their aid,” the statement read partly.

He also promised that the basic health centre and primary school in the community would soon be refurbished to enhance their effectiveness.

Hon. Saidu Baba; Bani/Adena/Gwanabe/Gweria, Hon. Abdullah Halidu Danbaba; Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe, Hon. Muhamma Baba Salihu; Òkúta/Yashikira, Hon. Abdullah Bata; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Abdullah Danladi; the Executive Chairman, Kaiama Local Government, Hon. Isa Jibril; the Executive Chairman, Baruten Local Government, Alhaji Umar Danladi Shero; Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Sadiq Buhari; Adviser to the Governor on Social Investment among others were among the the state delegation to Gbajigbo.