24 Dead, Several Missing In Niger State Boat Mishap
…as Niger Gov commiserates with victims’ families
By EDITOR
About 24 persons dead while several are missing after a boat capsized in the Mokwa area of Niger State.
The exact number of people onboard the boat and the cause of the accident is yet to be established as at the time of filing this report.
Speaking to the incident, the Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, Jibrim Muregi, confirmed the incident, saying rescue efforts are ongoing.
He confirmed that 21 dead bodies were recovered, adding that three community members of Gbajibo, Ekwa and Yankeiade were also affected.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the mishap.
He however said available information at the police disposal suggest that 13 people lost their lives.
“Information received from Gbajibo area of Mokwa indicated that a wooden boat conveying some passengers on board from Gbajibo water side heading to Tungan-Mango for farming activities capsized,” the police spokesman said.
“On receiving the report, DPO Mokwa Div mobilised police teams including marine police to the scene, in collaboration with local divers and so far thirteen persons confirmed dead as search and rescue operation is ongoing. Further development will be made public.”
The latest incident comes three months after a boat carrying families returning from a wedding sank in a river, killing over 100 people on board.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has commiserated with the families of the victims.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as terrible and undesirable.
“This is quite a shocking and sorrowful situation to the people of the affected communities and I share in their sorrow. I pray that Allah will grant the deceased Aljannah Firdausi,” the statement partly read.
While commiserating with the families of the victims, the governor directed the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), to do all within its capacity to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
The governor also prayed that Allah would comfort the families of the deceased and grant quick recovery to those injured.
