The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has reported that more than 150 individuals have been rescued alive following a boat accident in the Gabjibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director-General of NSEMA, attributed this success to the quick response from community volunteers.
He noted that the cause of the incident has not yet been established and that efforts to intensify search and rescue operations are ongoing.
“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,” he said.
“The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation,” Arah assured.
According to a release by the Press Secretary to the Council Chairman of Mokwa local government, Abubakar Dakani, the boat was carrying over 300 passengers when it capsised.
Dakani said the boat was travelling from Mundi to Gbajibo for the Annual Maulud celebration when tragedy struck.
The release also confirmed that Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi acknowledged the recovery of approximately 60 bodies, while 10 survivors have been found.