The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed sadness over a boat mishap in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger, where about 60 persons were reported dead.

This is contained in a statement by the forum’s chairman and governor of Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, on Saturday in Ilorin.

The forum expressed condolences to the people and government of Niger and commended the rescue operations.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost relatives to the tragedy. We wish those who survived but are in critical condition a safe recovery.

“As we again mourn the victims of this accident, we restate our concern at the rising incidents of boat mishaps whose causes include overcrowding, old boats, or night travel.

“These incidents are avoidable if everyone plays by the rules and respects the sanctity of human life,” it said.

The forum called for strict adherence to the use of life jackets during water travel, especially since the federal and state governments have constantly donated life jackets to save lives.

(NAN)