The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has reported the successful rescue of 150 people following a boat mishap involving approximately 300 passengers who were all in the boat.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of October 1st, 2024, in the Gabjibo community, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger.
The boat, filled with women and children traveling for Maulid celebrations, capsized on the River Niger upstream of the Jebba dam, which has turned into a tragic incident where people are petting in fear for their loved ones, which is a terrible pain to endure.
NSEMA’s Director-General, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, expressed relief that prompt action from local divers and community volunteers played a crucial role in rescuing more than half of the passengers so far, which made the goal of teamwork more visible.
“The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation,” Baba-Arah assured while noting that search and rescue operations continue without repenting because of the children.
The cause of the incident remains unknown, but the tragedy serves as a reminder of the need for careful monitoring and diligent safety measures, which are to be always enforced and put to use at all times.
Families await updates on their loved ones as efforts persist to save the remaining passengers and continue as a diligent officer.