The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has reported the rescue of over 150 individuals following a boat accident in the Gabjibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director-General of NSEMA, attributed the successful rescue efforts to the prompt response from community volunteers. The cause of the incident has not yet been determined, but search and rescue operations are being intensified.
“The boat mishap occurred on the evening of October 1, around 8:30 PM, on the River Niger upstream from the Jebba dam. The boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, primarily women and children, who were traveling from the Mundi community to attend Maulid celebrations in Gbajibo,” he explained.
Baba-Arah added that NSEMA is collaborating with the state Ministry of Transport, the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers to coordinate and oversee the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
“The agency will continue to provide accurate and timely updates on the situation,” he assured.
According to a statement from Abubakar Dakani, the Press Secretary to the Council Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, the boat capsized while transporting more than 300 passengers. Dakani confirmed that the vessel was en route from Mundi to Gbajibo for the Annual Maulud celebration when the tragedy occurred.
The statement also noted that Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi acknowledged the recovery of approximately 60 bodies, while 10 survivors have been located.
