Over 150 rescued, many missing in boat accident in Niger

A devastating boating accident occurred in Niger state, leaving many people missing after a ship carrying about 300 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized on the Niger River.

The incident occurred when the boat was on its way to Gbajibo in Mokwa Local Government Area for the Maulid celebrations.

The boat was leaving Mundi township and heading upstream of Jebba Dam when it capsized.

At least 150 passengers were rescued from the water, according to Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) spokesman Hussaini Ibrahim.

However, many others remain missing, raising concerns about the gravity of the tragedy.

A rapid and coordinated rescue operation was launched immediately following the incident, with a team of emergency responders working tirelessly to locate those still missing.

The rescue team, comprising the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Niger State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers and community volunteers, leads and monitors search and rescue operations.

The joint effort has saved over 150 passengers so far and the team continues to search the river for any signs of survivors.

Local divers and community volunteers played a critical role in the rescue efforts, using their knowledge of the river to locate and recover those stranded.

“We are working tirelessly to locate those still missing,” Ibrahim said, promising to provide updates as the situation evolves. The cause of the accident has yet to be determined and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

While rescue operations continue, concern for the missing passengers remains high. The Niger state government urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with rescue efforts.

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