A devastating boat accident occurred in Niger State, leaving many unaccounted for, after a vessel carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized on the River Niger.
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 missing.
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 collaborative effort has enabled the rescue of over 150 passengers so far, with the team continuing to scour the river for any signs of survivors.
The local divers and community volunteers have played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, utilising their knowledge of the river to locate and retrieve those stranded.
“We are working tirelessly to locate those still missing,” Ibrahim said, promising to provide updates as the situation develops. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
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.
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