Update : Boat Mishap Incident in Niger State: 13 Bodies Recovered, Search for Missing Persons Ongoing.
By Our Correspondent
A tragic boat mishap occurred on Saturday morning in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, resulting in the recovery of 13 bodies, while several others remain missing.
The incident took place around 11:45 AM as the boat, laden with goods and passengers, was en route from Kwaita to the Zumba market for the weekly trading activity when it capsized.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the unfortunate event, stating that search and rescue operations are actively underway.
A statement from Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, the Director of Information and Special Duties, highlighted that some passengers were rescued from the accident, with one individual requiring hospital treatment. This person has since been discharged from the General Hospital in Kuta.
As rescue efforts continue, the total number of casualties has not yet been determined. Local divers and community volunteers are aiding NSEMA officials in the ongoing search for missing individuals.
In a related note, it has been emphasized that the Niger State government, alongside various agencies including NSEMA, the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has previously distributed life jackets to various riverine communities. However, there have been concerns over insufficient enforcement, contributing to the high rates of casualties during such incidents.
The community remains hopeful for the safe recovery of those still missing as authorities continue to conduct thorough search operations.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available
