The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commiserated with the people and government of Benue State on the death of 20 people in the last weekend’s boat mishap in Agatu local government area of the state.

The Forum, in a statement signed by its chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, also commended the emergency responders for rescuing 11 of the travellers alive.

“We send our commiserations to His Excellency Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia and the people of the state on the sad incident. We beseech God Almighty to repose the souls of those who died in the incident,” the Forum says in a statement.

“Similarly, we again call on regulatory authorities to step up oversights and enforcements to prevent these recurring incidents, while urging citizens and boat operators to avoid night travels, overloads, and adhere to all safety protocols at all times in the larger interest of everyone,” the Forum added.

We reports that about 20 persons, mostly traders and children, perished in the incident while returning from a local market in Benue State en route the neighbouring Nasarawa State.

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