10 passengers die as another boat capsizes in Niger state

At least 10 people have died in a boat mishap in Shiroro LGA of Niger state.

Garba Salihu, head of relief and rehabilitation in the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the accident to NAN on Friday.

He said the agency received a report that the incident occurred around 2pm on November 16.

Salihu said the boat left the Zangoro Bassa/Kukoki ward terminal to the Gijiwa/Kato ward terminal where it capsized.

He said about 34 passengers were on the boat with 20 male and 14 female.

The NSEMA official said 24 persons have been rescued and one body recovered.

He said a search and rescue operation is ongoing to recover the remaining missing persons.

The deceased were identified as Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Abubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim, and Rafiya Yakubu with two bodies unidentified.

Salihu said the boat mishap was caused by water hyacinth, strong waves and a grafting tree.

He said the local government officials alongside the agency desk officer had visited the scene of the incident.

Boat accidents are becoming increasingly rampant in Niger state.

In October, a boat carrying 22 passengers capsized in Agwara LGA, while in September, 24 persons died in a boat mishap in the Mokwa area of the state.