About 150 passengers are feared drowned in a boat mishap in Gbajibo community in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
The accident occurred at about 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday on the River Niger upstream of Jebba dam.
It is not ascertained yet what led to the capsising of the boat carrying about 300 passengers from the Mundi community to Gbajibo for Maulid celebrations.
A statement by the Director-General of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah in Minna on Wednesday confirmed the incident, adding that a search and rescue operation was ongoing.
”The boat mishap occurred last night October 1, around 8:30 pm on the River Niger upstream Jebba dam.
”The boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children, and was travelling from the 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 stated that about 150 passengers of the ill-fated boat had been rescued alive so far as a result of the prompt response from community volunteers.
He assured that “The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation”.
