JUST IN: Scores feared dead in Niger boat accident

A devastating boat accident in Niger State has left more than 150 passengers feared dead after an overloaded vessel capsized in the River Niger.

The boat, which carried over 300 passengers—predominantly women and children—was en route to a Maulid festival on Tuesday when the tragedy struck.

The passengers were traveling from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community for the religious celebration when the boat, unable to withstand the turbulent waters, capsized.

Eyewitnesses report that the vessel was severely overloaded, which contributed to the disaster.

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Rescue operations are ongoing, with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) taking charge in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers.

Alhaji Absullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of NSEMA, confirmed the incident, stating, “NSEMA received a report of a boat accident that occurred on the night of October 1, 2024, around 8:30 pm along River Niger, upstream of Jebba Dam, at Gbajibo Community in Mokwa LGA.”

As rescue teams continue to search for survivors, this tragedy underscores the dangers of overloading boats and the need for stricter safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways.

The incident has plunged the affected communities into deep mourning, with hopes that ongoing rescue efforts may save more lives.

(PoliticsNigeria)