Passengers missing as canoe capsizes in Niger

Several passengers have been reported missing after a canoe carrying seven people capsized while travelling between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro, Niger State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, conveying six females and one male, overturned mid-journey.

The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all residents of the Jata/Bmagara area en route to Kami Village.

Rescue teams, including police officers and local divers, were swiftly deployed to the scene. While the boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.

Authorities said search and rescue operations are continuing, with further updates expected as the situation develops.