The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, has confirmed a tragic boat mishap that occurred on Saturday around the Kwata area en route to the Zumba market in Shiroro Local Government Area.
The incident happened at approximately 11:45 a.m. when a boat carrying passengers and goods capsized mid-journey.
According to Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, Director of Information and Special Duties, three people, the boat driver and two passengers were rescued, while one victim is receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Kuta. As of the time of reporting, 12 fatalities have been confirmed.
Rescue operations are ongoing, involving NSEMA desk officers, local divers, and community volunteers.
Authorities have raised concerns over the continued neglect of safety protocols. Despite previous distributions of life jackets to riverine communities by the Niger State Government, N-HYPPADEC, and NIWA, usage remains alarmingly low.
Officials warn that the consistent failure to comply with safety measures significantly contributes to the recurring casualties in boat accidents across the state.