Boat carrying ‘22 passengers’ capsizes in Niger state

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) says a boat carrying about 22 passengers has capsized in Agwara LGA.

NAN reports that Salihu Garba, director general of the agency, said the boat was conveying passengers from Kasabo villages in Agwara LGA of Niger to Yauri in Kebbi state.

Garba said the mishap occurred at about 11 am to 12 pm on Monday.

He said the incident occurred on Yauri market day, adding that the rescue team was yet to recover any of the passengers.

He said the desk officer of the agency is currently overseeing the ongoing search and rescue operations by local divers and boat owners in Agwara.

The director general said the incident was caused by strong waves, adding that families would be able to declare their members missing after the market activities.

Commenting on the mishap in a statement on Monday, Abubakar Yelwa, managing director of National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), described the incident as “unfortunate”.

Yelwa attributed the boat incident to windstorm, adding that the commission is working to sensitise the public on maritime safety.

“The commission in its efforts to strengthen safety measures has in addition to provision of life jackets, engaged in sensitization campaigns on maritime safety with the most recent one conducted just last week,” he said.

“N-HYPPADEC management symphathizes with Yauri Emirate Council and Kebbi State Government over the tragic incident and prays for repose of the souls of the deceased.”