The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has reported that over 150 individuals were rescued alive following a boat accident in the Gabjibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of NSEMA, credited the swift response of community volunteers for the successful rescue efforts.
He mentioned that the cause of the accident has yet to be determined, and search and rescue operations are being intensified.
“The boat mishap occurred on the night of October 1 at around 8:30 p.m. on the River Niger, upstream from the Jebba dam. The boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, primarily women and children, traveling from Mundi community to Gbajibo for Maulid celebrations,” Arah explained.
He added that NSEMA, in partnership with the state Ministry of Transport, the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, is coordinating and overseeing the ongoing rescue operations.
“The agency will continue to provide accurate and timely updates on the situation,” Arah assured.
A statement from the Press Secretary to the Mokwa Local Government Council Chairman, Abubakar Dakani, confirmed that the boat had over 300 passengers on board when it capsized. The passengers were en route from Mundi to Gbajibo for the annual Maulud celebration when the tragedy occurred.
Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi also confirmed the recovery of around 60 bodies and the rescue of 10 survivors.