Over 150 feared missing as boat capsizes in Niger State

At least 150 passengers are reported missing following a tragic boat accident in Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State.

The overcrowded boat, carrying more than 300 passengers primarily women and children capsized on Tuesday during a journey for a Maulid celebration.

The passengers were en route from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community when the disaster struck, leaving many feared lost.

Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating that rescue efforts are ongoing to locate survivors amidst the heartbreaking situation.

Baba-Arah said, “NSEMA received a report of a boat accident that occurred on the night of October 1, 2024, around 8:30 pm along River Niger, upstream of Jebba Dam, at Gbajibo Community in Mokwa LGA.

“The boat, which was transporting about 300 passengers, mainly women and children from Mundi Community, was en route to Gbajibo for the Maulid celebration.

“NSEMA is coordinating search and rescue operations in partnership with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and other community volunteers.

“Thanks to the swift response of the local volunteers, over 150 persons have been rescued alive so far.”

He assured all that the search and rescue operation was ongoing, with further updates to be provided to the public as more survivors are located.