President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday night said he is “saddened and aggrieved” over the motor accident on Akaeze-Ukwu River, along the Akaeze-Ishiagu expressway, Ivo Local Government of Ebonyi State, on Friday night.
Already, 14 bodies have been recovered.
Following the incident, divers from neighbouring States who helped in the search and rescue of the victims on Saturday located the bus which was carrying over 30 passengers when it plunged into the river.
Five of the passengers, who were returning from a burial, were rescued and taken to hospital on Friday night. However, one of them died at the hospital while the others are reportedly still unconscious.
President Buhari, in expressing his “condolences to the government and people of Ebonyi State,” said: “We are saddened and aggrieved at this colossal loss of human lives.”
In a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, the President added that the thoughts and prayers of the government and people of Nigeria are with the families of the victims of this accident.
President Buhari commended the Ebonyi State government in spearheading the rescue and recovery efforts as well as the support it has received from the neighbouring state governments in that regard.
