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

The Forum also commended the emergency responders for rescuing 11 of the travellers alive, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Kwara State Governor and NGF Chairman.

He said: “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.

“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.”