Following a boat mishap in Gabjibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area of the state, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has said over 150 people have been rescued so far.
The incident happened while the boat was en route to Gbajibo in Mokwa Local Government Area for the Maulid celebration.
The boat departed from Mundi Community and was sailing upstream of the Jebba dam when it capsized.
According to Hussaini Ibrahim, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), at least 150 passengers has been rescued from the water.
However, many others remain missing, sparking concerns about the severity of the tragedy.
A swift and coordinated rescue effort was launched immediately after the incident, with a team of responders working tirelessly to locate those still mi
The rescue team, comprising the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the Niger State Ministry of Transport, the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and community volunteers, is directing and monitoring search and rescue operations.
“The boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children, and was travelling from the Mundi community for Maulid celebrations at Gbajibo.
‘The agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, are directing and monitoring search and rescue operations,” he said.
“The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation,” Arah assured.
According to a release by the Press Secretary to the Council Chairman of Mokwa local government, Abubakar Dakani, the boat was carrying over 300 passengers when it capsised.
Dakani said the boat was travelling from Mundi to Gbajibo for the Annual Maulud celebration when tragedy struck.
The release also confirmed that Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi acknowledged the recovery of approximately 60 bodies, while 10 survivors have been found.
As the rescue operations continue, concerns for the missing passengers remain high. The Niger State government has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the rescue efforts.
