Dr Saraki in a condolence message to the Beninois, who lived along the border towns of Bukuro in Baruten Local Government Area of the State and Yariwondon in Benin Republic, described the incident as a national tragedy and monumental loss.  

The Governor, who expressed great shock on hearing the news of the tragic incident, said the involvement of innocent school pupils in the mishap made the situation more pathetic.  

Saraki, who had earlier sent a powerful government delegation, led by his Special Adviser on Emergency and Relief Services, Alhaji Sulyman Kayode Yusuf to the scene of the incident, enjoined the Beninois resident in the border area to continue to live in peace and harmony with their Nigerian neighbours.  

Governor Saraki, however, appealed to fishermen engaged in fishing business in the area to ensure the safety of their boats before embarking on any journey and the Benin Republic Government for adequate compensation to relatives of the victims.  

He also enjoined the family of all the deceased persons to take heart for the loss of their loved ones, believing that all living souls must taste death one day.  

Governor Saraki also prayed God to grant the souls of the departed ones peaceful rest and the affected families the fortitude to bear the loss.  

It would be recalled that the unfortunate incident, which claimed the lives of primary school pupils, adults and market women occurred last Friday on Nano River between the two border communities of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

Mas’ud Adebimpe

Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

03/11/09