150 People Rescued, 150 Still Missing As Boat Carrying 300 Passengers Capsizes In Niger

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that a boat carrying over 300 passengers capsized on the River Niger, near the Jebba Dam, in the Gbajibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area.

It stated that so far about 150 travellers have been rescued, while efforts are on to rescue the remaining persons.

The incident occurred last night, October 1, 2024, about 8:30 pm.

The agency in a statement signed by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah said the boat was sailing from Mundi community with a population of almost 300 passengers.

He explained that the travellers were mostly women and children for the Maulid celebration at Gbajibo.

The DG disclosed that currently, NSEMA is directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and other community volunteers.

“However, thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers; over 150 persons have been rescued alive so far.

“The search and rescue operation is still ongoing to locate more survivors, and the general public will be provided with the update,” the agency added.