Over 150 Passengers Rescued After Tragic Boat Accident In Niger — NSEMA Reveals

At least one hundred and fifty (150) persons have been rescued alive so far following a tragic boat accident that occurred recently in Gabjibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 2.

According to the Director-General of NSEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the rescue mission was achieved as a result of the prompt response from community volunteers.

He said the cause of the mishap is yet to be determined, adding that it is intensifying search and rescue operations.

“The boat mishap occurred last night Oct. 1, around 8:30 pm on the River Niger upstream Jebba dam.

“The boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children, and was travelling from the Mundi community for Maulid celebrations at Gbajibo.

‘The agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, are directing and monitoring search and rescue operations,” the statement read.

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“The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation,” Arah assured.

In a statement from the Press Secretary to the Mokwa Council Chairman, Abubakar Dakani, it was reported that the vessel was transporting more than 300 individuals when it overturned.

Dakani mentioned that the vessel was on its way from Mundi to Gbajibo for the Annual Maulud fest when the accident occurred.

The statement further stated that Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi recognized the retrieval of around 60 bodies, and that 10 individuals have since been rescued.