A devastating incident unfolded in Niger State as a boat carrying around 300 passengers capsized on October 1, resulting in the recovery of at least 60 bodies.
According to a statement released by Abubakar Dakani, the Press Secretary to the Council Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, the boat was en route from Mundi to Gbajibo for the Annual Maulud celebration when it met with tragedy in the notorious Gbajibo River.
Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi confirmed that approximately 60 bodies have been recovered, with 10 survivors found. He noted that rescue operations, involving the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and local volunteers, are ongoing to locate other missing individuals.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the director-general of NSEMA, provided additional details, stating that 150 individuals were rescued due to the prompt actions of the agency and community volunteers. However, he emphasized that the cause of the accident remains unknown.
“The boat mishap occurred last night, October 1, around 8:30 PM on the River Niger, upstream of the Jebba dam,” Baba-Arah stated. “The boat was primarily carrying women and children traveling from the Mundi community to attend the Mawlid celebrations at Gbajibo.”
As rescue efforts continue, the community mourns the loss and prays for the safety of those still missing.