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
Admin I Wednesday, October 02, 2024
NIGER, Nigeria – Not less than 150 people have been declared missing in Niger State after the boat conveying them along the River Niger from Mundi Community to Gbajibo capsized.
The passenger were reportedly heading to Gbajibo for Wawlid Celebration. We gathered that the boat which was sailing with about 300 people capsized along Gbajibo in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
We gathered that about 150 people aboard the boat were rescued alive by divers who swung into action immediately after the incident.
The Director General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah told Daily Trust that NSEMA has received a report of a boat mishap that occurred last night, 1st October 2024, around 8.30 pm. on river Niger upstream Jebba dam, at Gbajibo Community in Mokwa LGA.
He said the boat was sailing from Mundi Community with a population of almost 300 passengers comprising mostly women and children for Mawlid celebration at Gbajibo.
“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,” he said.
Arah said over 150 persons had been rescued alive, saying that search and rescue operation was still ongoing to rescue more victims.
