60 bodies recovered, many missing as boat carrying 300 capsises in Niger

At least 60 bodies have been recovered following a boat accident in Niger State.

According to a statement from Abubakar Dakani, the Press Secretary to the Council Chairman of Mokwa local government, the boat was carrying over 300 passengers when it capsized in the notorious Gbajibo River in Mokwa Local Government Area yesterday evening.

Dakani reported that the boat was en route from Mundi to Gbajibo for the Annual Maulud celebration when the tragedy occurred.

The statement also indicated that Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi confirmed the recovery of approximately 60 bodies, with 10 survivors located so far.

Rescue efforts, in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency and local residents, are ongoing to locate additional missing individuals.

In September 2023, a similar incident occurred when a boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized, resulting in the deaths of 24 people who were on their way to farm for harvest.