President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, expressed grief as many people were feared dead after a boat capsized in Mai’aduwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Buhari also warned against the use of rickety boats, overloading and none use of life jackets which had been associated with recurrent boat mishaps in the country.

Reacting to the sad incident in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja, the president said he was extremely pained by the incident.

The boat was carrying mostly children returning from Sallah celebrations.

Buhari said: “My thoughts are with the bereaved families.

“Right now, rescue operations by the state government and National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, are ongoing at the site of the tragedy, hoping to rescue missing passengers.

“NIWA has been directed to provide more life jackets to the communities in the areas. I pray for the repose of the deceased and for the safety of everyone on board.”