Death toll from Niger boat mishap rises to 30

The death toll from the boat accident that happened in Shiroro LGA of Niger state has risen to 30.

TheCable had reported that 28 persons lost their lives in the boat accident, while 65 people were rescued, and seven were missing at the time.

In a statement on Sunday, Ahmed Inga, director-general of the state emergency management agency, confirmed that 100 occupants of the boat were returning from Tija village in Munya, another LGA in the state, when the boat hit the stump of a tree 50 metres to its destination.

However, on Monday, Ibrahim Hussein, spokesman for the Niger state emergency agency, said two more bodies were recovered, making it a total of 30 people who have died in the incident.

“So far, 30 bodies have been recovered and five are still missing. Sixty-five passengers were rescued with the help of local divers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abubakar Bello, Niger governor, has sympathised with the residents of Munya LGA over the incident.

In a statement by Mary Noel-Berje, his spokesperson, the Niger governor described the development as disturbing, and assured residents that the government will provide the necessary support.

“I am deeply concerned about the incident that happened, particularly since almost all the victims were those affected by insecurity in their communities and were forced to have fled their ancestral homes,” Bello said.

“I want you to know that the State and the federal governments have not abandoned you, and God too has not either. You should see what is happening now as a trying moment which will soon pass by the grace of God.

“I am telling you the truth — we are making every necessary effort in addition to the weekly special prayers we have started to ensure that all the criminal elements in our State are flushed out.”