27 missing as boat capsizes in Niger

A wooden boat, carrying 34 individuals across Agwara and Yauri local government areas of Niger and Kebbi states, capsized.

The boat, reportedly ferrying passengers from Gebbe, Kasabo, and other riverfronts along the River Niger to the Yauri market, met with tragedy just a few meters from its intended destination.

This calamity struck on a fateful Monday, occurring between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Reports from Yauri authorities suggest that a severe windstorm accompanying adverse weather conditions likely caused the boat to capsize.

Following the mishap, local divers were swiftly deployed to the area, scouring for survivors amidst the devastating incident.

The Managing Director of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Abubakar Yelwa, confirmed the tragedy to Channels Television on Tuesday. Regrettably, seven persons were rescued, leaving 27 others still unaccounted for.

Yelwa stressed that the loss of lives could have been greatly reduced if passengers had worn life jackets before embarking on the journey. He emphasized that the commission will continue distributing life jackets and advocating for their use.

At the time of this report, the ongoing rescue efforts continue. The victims involved in this harrowing event hailed from Niger and Kebbi states.