The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that over 150 people have been rescued alive after a boat carrying around 300 passengers capsized at the Gbajibo community in Mokwa Local Government Area.
The boat was transporting passengers, mostly women and children, for Maulid celebrations when the accident occurred on October 1 around 8:30 p.m.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of NSEMA, attributed the successful rescue efforts to the quick response of community volunteers. While the exact cause of the mishap is still under investigation, the agency, along with local divers and community volunteers, continues search and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Mokwa Local Government Chairman Abdullahi Muregi has confirmed the recovery of 60 bodies, while 10 survivors have been located. Rescue operations are ongoing, with the agency promising timely updates.
