13 dead, 26 rescued in Niger boat mishap

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the recovery of 13 bodies and the rescue of 26 passengers following a boat mishap in Gini village, Shiroro Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued on Sunday in Minna by NSEMA Director-General, Alhaji Abdullahi Arah, the tragic incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday while the boat was en route to the weekly Zumba market. The vessel, which was reportedly overloaded with passengers and goods, capsized at a location known as Kwata.

Arah revealed that the 13 recovered bodies have since been buried. Among the deceased were eight women, three men, and two children. He confirmed that a total of 39 people were on board the ill-fated boat.

Earlier, Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, Director of Information and Special Duties at NSEMA, said the boat driver and a few passengers had been rescued immediately after the incident. He added that one survivor admitted to the General Hospital in Kuta has been discharged.

In response to the tragedy, the Niger State Government, through NSEMA, the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has begun distributing life jackets to riverine communities as part of safety measures to prevent future occurrences.