PulseNets has learnt that twenty-two people have been confirmed dead following a tragic boat mishap between Baro and Akwanu communities in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), told PulseNets in a statement on Friday, November 29, that the ill-fated boat was en route to Katcha market when the incident occurred.
According to Baba-Arah, the boat departed from Ebe Community in Kogi State with approximately 50 passengers aboard. The unfortunate incident reportedly happened around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday.
PulseNets learnt that personnel from NSEMA, the Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and other community volunteers have been actively involved in search and rescue operations.
“So far, 22 bodies have been recovered from the water, while eight people have survived the unfortunate incident,” Baba-Arah confirmed. He added that among the recovered bodies, 18 were from Kogi State, while the remaining four were residents of Akwanu community in Agaie LGA, Niger State.
Also Read: 300 passengers involved in Niger boat mishap, 150 rescued — NSEMA
Speaking to PulseNets, Baba-Arah assured that the search and rescue efforts were ongoing to locate more survivors. He further noted that additional updates would be made public as more information becomes available.
The incident has left both communities in deep mourning, with residents and emergency personnel striving to bring closure to the tragic event.
