Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed a report that a boat conveying no fewer than 300 passengers capsized on River Niger upstream, Jebba Dam, at Gbajibo community in Mokwa Local Government Area.
The agency, in a statement signed by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, said the boat was sailing from Mundi community with a population of almost 300 passengers.
It stated that so far about 150 travellers have been rescued, while efforts are on to rescue the remaining persons.
The incident occurred last night, October 1, 2024, about 8:30 pm.
According to the statement, the travellers were mostly women and children for the Maulid celebration at Gbajibo.
The DG disclosed that currently, NSEMA is directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and other community volunteers.
“However, thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers; over 150 persons have been rescued alive so far.
“The search and rescue operation is still ongoing to locate more survivors, and the general public will be provided with the update,” the agency added.