Survivor Of Edo Boat Mishap Narrates Ordeal, Counters Government’s Claim, Says Eight Persons Died

By Ayodele Oni

A survivor of a boat accident at Gelegele, in Edo State, Mabel Sule, has countered the claim by the Edo State Police Command that only one person died.

Sule, while giving account of the incident, explained that eight persons got drowned in the accident, adding that she was lucky to have survived the mishap, which occurred while the traders were on their way to Ekehuan market

She said that she had to swim with her baby to safety after the boat she was travelling with 26 other traders capsized last Thursday.

She said, “As we moved out of the shore of Gelegele, the engine of the boat developed a fault. The tide swayed the boat and it hit two badges stationed in the river, which resulted in the boat capsizing and getting stuck under the badge.

“I was carrying a one-and-half-year-old baby when it happened. I struggled to swim with my baby under the badge and hit my head against it several times before I eventually swam out under the badge.

“Also, everyone started scampering for safety by swimming, but unfortunately we were under the badge. Some people didn’t survive it as they were unable to swim out.

“I was carrying my baby on my lap when the accident happened and I held the baby with my one hand and used the other hand to swim. But as I was swimming and trying to raise my head above the water, I hit my head against the badge three times.

“I went deep again and started swimming until I saw brightness of the sky; that was when I raised my head. I thought my baby was already drowned, but fortunately, he survived.”

She noted that she lost all her stock, adding, “I am left with nothing as I speak with you. Plantain worth over N200,000 that I was taking to Ekehuan market to sell all perished in the river.

“I want the Edo State Government to help me so I can go back to my business. I am pleading with well-meaning Nigerians to help me. I need to feed to feed my children.”