Niger boat mishap: NEMA rescues 150, recovers 42 remains

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Emergency Management Agency has rescued 150 passengers and recovered 42 bodies after a boat carrying about 300 people overturned in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

The passengers, returning from a Maulud celebration, were travelling from Gbajibo in Niger State to Gbajibo in Kwara State when the boat, overloaded, capsized around on Tuesday, October 1.

The bodies of 39 men, two women, and one child have been recovered and buried according to Islamic rites, while the search for more victims is ongoing, NEMA confirmed in a statement.

The statement said, “Following the information received from NSEMA on the unfortunate incident of Boat Mishap that occurred in Mokwa LGA of Niger state, NEMA Minna operations office SAR Team with key Stakeholders including NSEMA & the Federal Fire Service, visited the scene for on the spot assessment.

“About 300 passengers were onboard the boat from Gbajibo community in Mokwa LGA of Niger State to Gbajibo community in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State.

“Local divers and community volunteers in addition to critical stakeholders carried out Search and Rescue Operation. 150 persons were rescued alive

42 corpses comprising 2 females,  39 males and I child have been recovered so far.

The dead have been buried according to Islamic rites while search and recovery continues.”