Chinese president sympathises with Nigeria over Anambra boat mishap

Chinese President Xi Jinping has commiserated with Nigeria over the death of over 40 persons in a boat accident in Anambra. 

Femi Adesina, Buhari’s spokesperson, in a statement on Friday, said the condolence message was contained in a letter.

A boat, which reportedly took off from Onukwu bridge and was heading to Nkwo market, Ogbakuba in Ogbaru LGA, capsized on October 7.

Explaining what caused the mishap, the boat driver had said he sailed into a heavy wave which affected the smooth operation of the boat, causing it to hit one of the pillars supporting the Umunnakwe/Ossomala bridge.

He said majority of the passengers on board were women and children trying to escape from their flooded communities.

President Muhammadu Buhari had expressed sadness over the incident and directed relevant government agencies to aid the rescue mission.

“I pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for everyone’s safety, as well as the well-being of the family members of the victims of this tragic accident,” he had said.

According to Adesina, in a letter to Buhari on Friday, the Chinese president expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

“Distressed to learn of the boat mishap in Anambra state, Nigeria, which has caused heavy casualties,” the letter reads.

“I’d like to, in the name of the Chinese government and people, extend deepest condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to their families.”

Meanwhile, Gillan Keegan, minister for Africa at UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), commiserated with Nigeria on the floods that have affected communities across the country.

In a tweet on Thursday, she said: “My thoughts are with those affected by Nigeria’s worst floods in a decade. The UK will continue to support Nigeria to provide critical assistance to those affected by flooding, and to help Nigeria make progress towards longer term climate adaptation and resilience.”

My thoughts are with those affected by Nigeria’s worst floods in a decade. The UK will continue to support Nigeria to provide critical assistance to those affected by flooding, and to help Nigeria make progress towards longer term climate adaptation and resilience 🇬🇧🤝🇳🇬

— Gillian Keegan (@GillianKeegan) October 13, 2022