Tragedy Strikes: Boat Mishap Claims 22 Lives in Niger State
A devastating boat accident between Baro and Akwanu communities in Agaie Local Government Area, Niger State, has led to the loss of 22 lives.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the incident on Friday.
According to Arah, the boat, carrying approximately 50 passengers from Ebe Community in Kogi State, was en route to Katcha Market when it capsized around 2 a.m. on Thursday.
Efforts to recover victims and locate survivors have been ongoing, involving NSEMA officials, the Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers.
So far, 22 bodies have been recovered, with 18 identified as residents of Kogi State and four from Akwanu community in Niger State. Additionally, eight passengers have been rescued alive.
Arah stated that search and rescue operations are still active and assured the public that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.