Tragedy strikes as over 150 passengers missing in Niger boat capsize

A boat accident in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has left more than 150 passengers feared missing.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday when the boat, which was carrying over 300 people—predominantly women and children—capsized during a journey to a Maulid celebration.

The passengers were traveling from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community for the festival when disaster struck.

Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating that rescue efforts were underway to find more survivors.

“NSEMA received a report of a boat accident that occurred on the night of October 1, 2024, around 8:30 pm along River Niger, upstream of Jebba Dam, at Gbajibo Community in Mokwa LGA”, he said.

Baba-Arah detailed the circumstances, saying, “The boat, which was transporting about 300 passengers, mainly women and children from Mundi Community, was en route to Gbajibo for the Maulid celebration.”

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He added that NSEMA was coordinating search and rescue operations alongside the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers.

“Thanks to the swift response of the local volunteers, over 150 persons have been rescued alive so far,” he noted.

Baba-Arah assured the public that the search and rescue operation is ongoing and further updates will be provided as more survivors are found.

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