‘Over 150’ missing as boat capsizes in Kebbi

More than 150 people have been reported missing following a boat mishap that occurred in Warra, headquarters of Ngaski LGA of Kebbi state.

Abdullahi Haruna, chairman of Warra local council, confirmed the incident to NAN.

According to him, the accident occurred around 11am on Wednesday.

Haruna said 22 people who wore live jackets had been rescued, while search and rescue efforts are ongoing for the remaining victims.

Nafiu Abubakar, spokesman of the Kebbi police command, also confirmed the development.

According to NAN, a resident said the boat took off from Loko in Niger state with over 150 passengers.

The resident said about 20 people had been rescued, including a baby boy whose mother had not yet been found.

“We are afraid that many people may have died from this mishap, because according to report, the boat took off with over 150 persons and many are still missing,” the resident said.

The resident added that many people had trooped into the town from Niger state in search of their relations who are said to have boarded the boat.

Ibrahim Inga, director of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), told TheCable that a search and rescue operation is ongoing and the information unit is compiling details of the incident.

He said: “From what we have gathered from the desk officer who sent in the first report which was released to the governor, there are about 100 people who boarded the boat.”