The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that 13 dead bodies have been recovered while 26 people were rescued from the recent boat mishap in Gini village, Shiroro Local Government Area.
This was disclosed in a statement by Alhaji Abdullahi Arah, the Director-General of the agency, on Sunday in Minna.
The incident occurred on Saturday around 11:45 am at Kwata, as the boat was heading to Zumba market.
The boat, which was fully loaded with goods and passengers, capsized while conveying them to the weekly market. According to the agency, the total number of people on the boat was 39.
The Director-General of NSEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Arah, said that 13 bodies included eight women, three men, and two children were recovered.
He said that the bodies have since been buried, adding that the agency was able to rescue 26 people, who were fortunate enough to survive the tragic incident.
Earlier, Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, NSENI’s Director of Information and Special Duties, confirmed in a statement that the boat driver and few passengers were rescued.
One of the victims was admitted in the General Hospital Kuta and had been discharged.
The Niger Government, through NSEMA, National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), and NIWA, has distributed life jackets to various riverine communities.
The effort aimed to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of people living in these communities.
The boat mishap is a tragic reminder of the importance of safety measures and emergency preparedness in riverine communities.
The response of the Niger Government and NSEMA was commendable, and it is hoped that the distribution of life jackets will help prevent such incidents in the future.
