Minna: The Niger Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) says 13 dead bodies have been recovered, while 26 people were rescued from the recent boat mishap in Gini village, Shiroro Local Government Area.
This is contained in a statement by Alhaji Abdullahi Arah, the Director-General of the agency, on Sunday in Minna.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, near Kwata, as the boat was en route to the Zumba market.
According to the agency, the boat, which was fully loaded with goods and passengers, capsized while conveying them to the weekly market.
“We have confirmed a boat mishap incident with 13 bodies recovered, while 26 were rescued, bringing the total number of people in the boat to 39.”
“Those that were recovered had since been buried, and among them were eight women, three men, and two children,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Ibrahim Hussaini, NSENI’s Director of Information and Special Duties, confirmed in a statement that the boat driver and a few passengers were rescued.
Hussaini said that one of the victims was admitted to the General Hospital in Kuta and had been discharged.
The Niger State Government, through the NSEMA, National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), and NIWA, has distributed life jackets to various riverine communities.
