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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Two passengers, Misturat Okunbanjo and Azeezat Amoo, have been confirmed dead after a boat capsized on Thursday evening in Isawo community, Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ololade Agboola, disclosed this in a statement at the weekend.
Four other victims were, however, rescued in the accident, which occured around 8pm.
“The accident was reported at 20:16 hours on Thursday, prompting the deployment of the Search and Rescue Crew from the agency. The crew collaborated with locals who were familiar with the terrain.
“Despite the darkness, the search continued until late at night when it was suspended. Four of the six victims on board the capsized boat crossing from Olorunsogo to Isawo were rescued.
“The crew resumed their efforts in the early hours of Friday to continue the search. Unfortunately, they recovered the bodies of two females, identified as Misturat Okunbanjo, 18, and Azeezat Amoo, 16. The recovery operation concluded at approximately 10:10 hours,” she said.
The Director of Lagos Fire Service, Margaret Adeseye, also expressed regret over the accident.
“We must emphasise the importance of avoiding unsafe acts around waterways and highlight ongoing efforts to educate and sensitise communities on measures to prevent such incidents,” she added.