The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the recovery of 22 bodies after the boat mishap that occurred between Baro and Akwanu communities in the Agaie local government area of Niger State.
It was earlier on Thursday reported that at least eight people died following the boat accident in the early hours of Friday along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger.
Eyewitnesses had said the boat, belonging to one Musa Dangana, was carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm labourers, on their way to the Katcha weekly market when it capsized.
The tragedy threw everyone on board into the water.
The NSEMA in a statement signed by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah in Minna, said the incident occurred on Thursday night, 28 November, 2024, at about 2am.
He stated that the boat was sailing from Ebe Community of Kogi State with a population of almost 50 passengers heading to Katcha market, when the accident occurred.
According to him, “NSEMA is currently directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and other community volunteers in the area.
“Thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers, twenty-two bodies have been recovered, and eight persons have been rescued alive so far.
“Eighteen out of the 22 bodies recovered are from Kogi State, while four are from Akwanu community in Agaie LG.”
He added that a search and rescue operation was still ongoing to locate more survivors.
