The United Nations Chief, Antonio Guterres, has offered condolences to Nigeria over the boat accident that left scores of people dead and others injured.

“I can tell you that we, along with our UN team in Nigeria, have expressed our sincere condolences to the families of those who died in the tragic capsized boat accident on the Niger River, many of them women and children.

“Our hearts go out to all people and the Government of Nigeria in this difficult time,’’ he said.

The Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Mr Stéphane Dujarric, disclosed this at a news conference at UN headquarters in New York, United States.

The UN Secretary-General also expressed sadness over the report of a ship accident off the coast of Greece. The devastating incident claimed the scores of lives including women, men and children.

He added: “Today, we have yet another tragic illustration.

“I can tell you that the secretary-general was horrified by the reports of a shipwreck that took place off the coast of Greece, claiming the lives of scores of women, men and children.

“He stressed, as he said before, that every person searching for a better life needs dignity and safety.

“This is yet another example of the need for Member States to come together and create orderly safe pathways for people forced to flee and for comprehensive action to save lives at sea and reduce perilous journeys,’’ he added.

i-News Nigeria reported that the boat carrying about 250 passengers, was travelling from a wedding ceremony at Egbu village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara state, when it capsized in the early hours of Monday morning.

The boat accident has claimed no fewer than 106 people.