Fourteen wedding guests died in a boat mishap in Kebbi State as authorities confirmed the arrival of 100 US military personnel in Bauchi to support Nigeria’s armed forces.
At least 14 people have died after a boat conveying wedding guests capsized in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The accident occurred at Gumbi village in Gumbi Ward shortly after the passengers had accompanied a bride to her husband’s house in Gwarzo village, Ngaski LGA, according to Channels Television. The boat, reportedly carrying more than 100 passengers, overturned while the celebrants were returning home, leaving 13 women and one child dead.
Governor Nasir Idris attended the funeral prayer for the deceased and condoled with the families, the local government, the emirate and the people of Yauri. Represented by the Chairman of Yauri Local Government, Abubakar Shu’aibu, the governor urged the grieving community to accept the tragedy in good faith. “I appeal to you to accept this in good faith, bearing in mind that nothing happens without the knowledge of our Creator.
“God does what He wants at the time He wants, and nobody has the right to question Him,” he said, praying for forgiveness for the deceased and that they be granted Jannatul Firdaus. All victims were buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and equipment at the Bauchi Airfield to support Nigeria’s armed forces. In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the DHQ said the deployment followed a formal request by the Federal Government for military training, technical support and intelligence sharing. The statement reads partly, “The deployment forms part of the deliberation during a working group engagement by the Nigerian delegation and its US counterpart. The arrival is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.”
READ THE FULL STORY IN SAHARA REPORTERS
NEWS NOW:
