According to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, on August 20, a boat accident on the River Kogi, Kungra Kamfani, in the Arikiya electoral ward of the Lafia Local Government Area of the State, resulted in 12 fatalities.
The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, announced this during an emergency House meeting on Thursday in Lafia.
Abdullahi expressed his sympathy to the State and the Local Government of Lafia for the terrible event.
He also expressed sympathy to the grieving families for the loss of their dear ones.
“It is very very sad that we lost 12 people, comprising men and women, in a boat mishap in Arikiya, Lafia LGA.
“Nineteen people were on board, 12 died and seven were rescued. Lafia LGA and our dear State have been thrown into mourning over this sad incident,” he said.
The House, which described the incident as unfortunate, however, urged the family, the people of Lafia LGA and the State government to bear the irreparable loss.
“On behalf of myself, Honourable members and the staff, we condole with the bereaved families, Lafia LGA and the State government over their death.
“We pray for the repose of their souls,” the Speaker said.
He prayed God to forgive the victims their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest.
The lawmakers later observed a minute silence in honour of the departed souls.