Death of 5: Kogi Govt investigates Canal car accident
The Kogi government has launched an investigation into the root causes of the deaths of five of its citizens whose cars plunged into a canal in the state on Friday.
Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, the state commissioner for information and communications, made this known in a statement issued in Lokoja on Monday.
The Supreme recalls that five Kogi citizens drowned on Friday (May 26) when the car in which they were traveling plunged into the canal of Omi Dam along the River Niger in Yagba West LGA of the state.
Only one of the five occupants of the car escaped death as he reportedly swarm to safety, aided by a good Samaritan, a fisherman, who unfortunately himself got drowned.
Among the dead were three ladies and two men, including the fisherman.
Fanwo said that the state government received the sad news of the deceased's death with shock and disbelief, hence its resolve to look into the root causes of the mishap.
“The Kogi Government, under the leadership of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has since launched investigations into the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident.
“We are willing and ready to cooperate with the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) to improve the safety of people working around the canal and passengers traveling along the routes around the canals.
“We cannot afford to lose the lives of our citizens to such avoidable deaths,” he assured.
The commissioner said: “Already, we have received preliminary reports from the Yagba West Local Government Authorities, who moved swiftly to salvage the situation to no avail.
“We will communicate our observations and recommendations to the authorities of the LNRBDA to avert future occurrences.
“Our hearts are with the families that lost their loved ones and the people of Yagba West and Yagba East Local Government Areas over the unfortunate and sad accident.”
While praying to God for the repose of the souls of the deceased, Fanwo said that the state government would liaise with relevant authorities to offer support to the victims’ families.
