At least 150 people are missing following a tragic boat accident in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to The PUNCH, the boat, carrying over 300 passengers, mainly women and children capsized on Tuesday evening while en route to a Maulid celebration.
The passengers were traveling from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community to attend the religious event when the boat overturned along the River Niger, near the Jebba Dam.
Speaking on the incident, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Absullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the mishap and revealed that rescue efforts are underway.
“NSEMA received reports of a boat mishap on the night of October 1, 2024, at around 8:30 p.m. The boat was carrying around 300 passengers when it capsized near Gbajibo Community in Mokwa,” Baba-Arah explained.
He added that emergency services are collaborating with the state’s Ministry of Transport, local divers, and volunteers in an ongoing search for survivors.
“So far, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, over 150 passengers have been rescued alive,” Baba-Arah said.
He reassured the public that the rescue operation is in full swing, with additional updates expected as the search continues for those still unaccounted for.
