An unknown number of passengers are reported missing following the capsizing of a boat carrying around 100 passengers in Niger State on Monday, January 15.
The boat departed from Dugga Mashaya in Dugga ward, Borgu Local Government Area of the state, heading for Wara market in Kebbi State.
It transported both people and goods such as grains and sugar cane, according to Abdullahi Arah, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
Though the exact count of casualties and survivors remains uncertain, search and rescue operations are currently underway involving local divers, NSEMA desk officers, and local government officials.
Arah stated, “NSEMA has received a report of a boat accident that occurred at Borgu LGA. The incident happened this afternoon, Monday, January 15, 2024, at about 2:05 p.m. No clear information about death and survivors yet.
“Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are ongoing by the local divers, NSEMA desk officers, and local government officials. Updates will be forwarded as they are received.”
In a related incident, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that nine bodies were recovered from a boat accident in the Shiroro Local Government Area, with the incident occurring on November 16, 2023.
The victims were traders transporting goods from the Zongoru Community of Bassa Ward to Gijiwa. In that incident, 10 persons were confirmed dead, with 22 reportedly rescued.
Furthermore, a boat mishap in the state on September 10, resulted in at least 26 deaths, mostly women and children, with several others missing.
The boat was conveying over 100 persons from adjoining communities to New Gbajibo Resettlement when it capsized.
A combined rescue operation by marine police, local divers, and NSEMA was underway.
The governor expressed condolences to the affected families and wished a quick recovery to the injured.
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