10 dies in boat mishap in Niger – NSEMA

No fewer than 10 people have allegedly died in a boat mishap in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The deceased include Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Abubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim, and Rafiya Yakubu, as well as two unidentified victims.

The tragedy reportedly happened on Thursday between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. due to strong waves and water hyacinth.

The boat was said to have capsized while conveying 34 passengers from Zangoro Bassa-Kukoki Ward terminal to Gijiwa-Kato Ward terminal in Shiroro LG.

In a statement signed by Ibrahim Audu Hussani, the Head of Information and Special Duties, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the boat accident.

According to Hussaini, during a visit to the scene of the incident with the Shiroro LG chairman, it was discovered that the mishap was caused by water hyacinth and strong waves. A grafting tree was also identified as a factor that contributed to the development.

He explained that the boat had on board 34 people, comprising 10 males, 14 females, and 10 children.

Hussani disclosed that at the moment, a total of 24 survivors have been identified, with efforts ongoing to gather complete information.

According to him, search-and-rescue operations are ongoing at the scene.

NSEMA further revealed that the boat had six drivers, identified as Dahiru Yusuf, Sa’idu Shu’aibu, Ahmadu Garba, Sa’idu Garba, Abdulaziz Yahaya, and Lukuman Sani.