60 bodies recovered, many still missing after boat capsize in Niger State
At least 60 bodies have been recovered from a tragic boat capsizing on the Gbajibo River in Niger State, where around 300 passengers were en route to a Maulud celebration. Rescue efforts continue for the missing.
A devastating boat accident on the Gbajibo River in Niger State has led to the recovery of at least 60 bodies after a vessel carrying around 300 passengers capsized. The tragedy unfolded on the evening of October 1, as the boat was en route from Mundi to Gbajibo for the annual Maulud celebration.
Abubakar Dakani, Press Secretary to the Mokwa Council Chairman, reported that the vessel capsized in the notorious waters near Mokwa Local Government Area. Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi confirmed that rescue teams have recovered approximately 60 bodies, with 10 survivors rescued from the wreckage.
Rescue operations are ongoing, spearheaded by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and local volunteers, who are tirelessly searching for the remaining missing passengers. Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of NSEMA, indicated that approximately 150 individuals were rescued shortly after the incident, but many others are still unaccounted for, with most passengers being women and children attending the festive event.
While the precise cause of the accident remains unclear, officials from NSEMA, in collaboration with the state Ministry of Transport and local emergency teams, are closely monitoring the search and rescue operations. This tragic incident highlights the rising concerns over safety on local waterways, as communities in Niger State grapple with an increase in boat accidents and flooding.
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