150 persons missing as boat capsizes in Niger state

At least 150 persons have been reported missing following a boat mishap in Gbajibo, Mokwa LGA of Niger state.

The incident occurred on October 1, with mostly women and children aboard the vessel.

The victims were said to have left Mundi community for Gbajibo to mark the Mawlid celebration. 

Abdullahi Baba-Arah, director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.

Baba-Arah said the boat had 300 persons. 

He noted that 150 persons were rescued following the swift response of the agency and other community volunteers.

Baba-Arah said the agency is yet to ascertain the cause of the mishap.

“The boat mishap occurred last night Oct. 1, around 8:30 pm on the River Niger, upstream Jebba dam,” the statement reads.

“The boat carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children, was travelling from Mundi community for Mawlid celebrations at Gbajibo.

“The agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, are directing and monitoring search and rescue operations.

“The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation.”

On September 26, 11 persons were killed and 41,192 individuals displaced in a flood incident in 19 LGAs of Niger state.