Over a hundred people have been reported missing after a boat capsized at Corner Libata in Ingaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
About 180 persons were said to have been aboard the boat which capsized 30 minutes after taking off from Loko Mina in Niger State.
Speaking on the development, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello who described the incident as unfortunate sympathized with the families, relatives, and close associates of those who died in the mishap.
The Victims, most of whom are traders were said to be heading to a market in Kebbi State when the accident took place.
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Authorities say search and rescue operations are ongoing. As at the time of filing this report, 20 persons were said to have been rescued with the bodies of four others recovered from the deep.
Earlier, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Ahmed Inga told Channels Television via telephone that local swimmers had been employed to carry out rescue missions in the area where the boat upturned.
Cases of boat mishaps in Niger State have been on the rise in recent years.
Between 2019 and 2020, at least 50 people lost their lives on the Malale River following incidents of boat mishaps.
In April 2021, a boat carrying over 70 passengers, mostly farmers and traders also capsized on a river at Zumba in Munya Local Government Area of the State, leaving scores dead.
