24 Dead, Many Missing In Niger State Boat Capsizing

A boat capsizing in Niger State’s Mokwa Local Government Area has  claimed the lives of at least 24 people, primarily women and children, while several others still missing.

It was gathered  that the boat was carrying a total of over 100 passengers, including women and children, hailing from neighboring communities en route from New Gbajibo Resettlement to Old Gbajibo before the incident occurred.

The victims, reportedly hailing from Gbajibo, Ekwa, and Yankyade communities, were en route to engage in farming activities when the tragic incident unfolded between 7:30 and 8 on Sunday morning, September 10, 2023.

Victims

The council chairman, Jibrim Muregi, who confirmed the accident, however, said the actual number of travellers cannot be ascertained at the moment.

He confirmed that 21 bodies were recovered while a combined rescue operation by marine police and local divers in collaboration with Niger State Emergency Management Agency is ongoing.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed his deep shock and condolences in response to the boat mishap.

Governor Bago in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as terrible and undesirable.

“This is quite a shocking and sorrowful situation to the people of the affected communities and I share in their sorrow. I pray that Allah will grant the deceased Aljannah Firdausi,” he said.

While commiserating with the families of the victims, the Governor directed the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), to do the needful to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

The Governor also prayed that Allah would comfort the families of the deceased and grant quick recovery to those injured.

He however reiterated the importance of the use of life jackets when boarding a boat and for people to desist from overcrowding boats.

The victims have been buried in accordance with the Islamic rites.