Following a boat accident in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, authorities fear that no fewer than 150 passengers are missing.
On Tuesday, an ill-fated boat carrying over 300 passengers—mostly women and children—capsized during a Maulid celebration journey.
Tragedy reportedly struck the passengers as they were travelling from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community for the Maulid festival.
Commenting on the accident, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Absullahi Baba-Arah, said on Wednesday that rescue efforts were underway to locate more survivors.
Baba-Arah said: “NSEMA received a report of a boat accident that occurred on the night of October 1, 2024, around 8:30 pm along the River Niger, upstream of Jebba Dam, at Gbajibo Community in Mokwa LGA.
“The boat, which was transporting about 300 passengers, mainly women and children from Mundi Community, was en route to Gbajibo for the Maulid celebration.
“NSEMA is coordinating search and rescue operations in partnership with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and other community volunteers.
“Thanks to the swift response of the local volunteers, over 150 persons have been rescued alive so far.”
Baba-Arah assured everyone that the search and rescue operation was ongoing and that the public would receive further updates as more survivors were located.
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