12 persons still missing, 8 bodies recovered in Niger boat accident – NSEMA

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has disclosed that twelve passengers involved in last Monday’s boat mishap in Borgu local government are still missing.
The boat which took off from Dugga Mashaya, Borgu LG of the state, was conveying an estimated 100 passengers.

The boat was also loaded with goods heading towards Wara market ii State when it capsized.
Newsmen recalls that at least eight passengers were confirmed including, five females and three males.
The Public Relations Officer of the Agency, Ibrahim Hussain when contacted told Newsmen that eleven persons have so far been rescued alive from the river while the rescue team is searching for the other 12 persons missing.
He revealed that the boat accident was caused by the overloading of travellers, heavy luggage of grains and sugar cane as well as strong waves.
According to him, “The incident occurred between 10 and 11am when a passenger boat with a Capacity of 100 passengers was overloaded with People and Commodity heading to Wara market in Kebbi State, the Boat left Kunduga Mashaya and Capsized around Tungan leda due to strong wave and overloading”.
“Search and rescue team and some local divers promptly swung into action and were able to rescue 11 people alive as of 16th of January, 2024. Eight dead bodies were recovered while 12 people are still missing”
” And, no recovery after the initial eight bodies were recovered, it was said to be the usual occurrences due to the harmattan”
He said the accident would have been avoided had the operator listened to the warning against exposing the already worn-out boat which had undergone many repairs to excessive loads.