22 die as boat capsizes in Niger

A devastating boat accident claimed the lives of at least 22 passengers on a fateful Monday in Niger State. The ill-fated journey had commenced from Kasabu village in the Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, with its destination set for Yauri in Kebbi State. Tragically, the boat capsized amidst heavy rain and strong winds.

As of Tuesday night, a diligent search and rescue team had managed to recover only six bodies, one of whom was identified as a Kebbi-based pastor working in Niger State.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency reported that many of the victims had been en route to conduct business at the bustling Monday Market in Yauri, Kebbi State, when the calamity unfolded.

Hussaine Ibrahim, the spokesperson for NSEMA, noted that it appeared that most of the victims had not been equipped with lifejackets, compounding the tragedy. He explained, “We received a report from our desk officers in Agwara regarding the boat incident that transpired on Monday between 11 am and 12 pm. The incessant rain in the area throughout the morning had made the search and rescue operation particularly challenging.”

Ibrahim further elaborated, “Our team has been tirelessly working on the water since morning, but the persistent rain has hampered their efforts. They successfully recovered four bodies earlier today and managed to retrieve two more this evening. The victims primarily hail from Niger State, although one of them was from Zuru in Kebbi State.”