Niger boat capsizes with over 300 passengers, 150 rescued

There has been a boat accident in Gabjibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Director of the Niger State Emergency Management, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said this in a statement on Wednesday.

He added that the agency had intensify it’s search and rescue operation to rescue over 300 passengers in the boat.

Baba-Arah, “The boat mishap occurred last night October 1, around 8.30pm on the River Niger upstream Jebba dam.

“The boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children. It was traveling from Mundi community for Maulid celebrations at Gbajibo.

“The agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, are directing and monitoring search and rescue operations.”

Baba-Arah said over “150 persons had been rescued alive” so far as a result of the prompt response from community volunteers, adding, “The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation.”