The boat mishap in the Gbajibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State, North-Central Nigeria, has resulted in the recovery of no fewer than sixteen bodies.
The passengers were from Kwara State, including the Chief Imam of Old Gbajiko Village, who was among those who lost their lives in the accident.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ahmed Baba Suleiman Yumu, and signed by the Director of Media and Strategy, Habibu Wushishi, the boat was sailing from Mundi Community, carrying nearly 300 passengers, mostly women and children, who were headed to Gbajibo for the Maulid celebration.
He said, “I received with shock the report of the boat mishap that took place in Gbajibo village, Mokwa Local Government, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Out of about 300 passengers, only 150 were rescued alive.”
He added that the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Transport, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, and the National Inland Waterways Authority to keep all critical stakeholders updated on the situation.
Speaking further, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Baba Arah, attributed the accident to overloading and night travel, noting that search and rescue efforts have been ongoing.
He commended the prompt response of community volunteers, stating that “over 150 people have been rescued alive so far.”
While disclosing that search and rescue operations are still ongoing to locate more survivors, he said, “Sixteen corpses, including two females and fourteen males, have been recovered.”
Dominica Nwabufo
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