22 Confirmed Dead in Niger State Boat Mishap, Rescue Operations Ongoing
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arab, has confirmed the death of 22 people in a boat accident that occurred early Thursday morning on River Niger.
In a statement, Baba-Arab disclosed that the tragic incident happened between Baro and Akwanu communities in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State.
The ill-fated boat was en route to Katchia market and had made a stop at Ebe community in Kogi State before the mishap.
“Of the 22 confirmed dead, 18 were from Kogi State, while four were residents of Akwanu community in Agaie LGA of Niger State,” Baba-Arab said.
The boat, carrying about 50 passengers, capsized around 2:00 a.m., prompting a coordinated search and rescue operation by NSEMA, the Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers.
“So far, 22 bodies have been recovered from the water, while eight people survived the unfortunate incident. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing to locate more survivors,” Baba-Arab added.
The NSEMA Director General assured that updates on the situation would be made public as more information emerges.
This tragedy highlights the recurring safety challenges in riverine transportation in Nigeria. Stakeholders have called for stricter safety regulations and the provision of modern boats to prevent such disasters.
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