Channels Television has obtained an exclusive video of the boat that capsized in Niger State on Wednesday as a result of overloading.
The image was taken by a passenger shortly after takeoff.
According to a release by the Press Secretary to the Council Chairman of Mokwa local government, Abubakar Dakani, the boat was carrying over 300 passengers when it capsized at the notorious Gbajibo River in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State yesterday evening.
Dakani said the boat was travelling from Mundi to Gbajibo for the Annual Maulud celebration when tragedy struck.
The release also confirmed that Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi acknowledged the recovery of approximately 60 bodies, while ten survivors have been found.
It added that rescue efforts, in collaboration with the State emergency management agency and locals, are ongoing to recover others who are missing.
In September 2023, a similar boat carrying over 50 passengers capsised, killing 24 persons who were on their way to farm for harvest.
Over 150 Persons Rescued — NSEMA
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said over 150 persons had been rescued so far.
The Director-General of NSEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said the feat was achieved due to the prompt response from community volunteers.
He said the cause of the mishap is yet to be determined, adding that it is intensifying search and rescue operations.
“The boat mishap occurred last night Oct. 1, around 8:30 pm on the River Niger upstream Jebba dam.
“The boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children, and was travelling from the Mundi community for Maulid celebrations at Gbajibo.
‘The agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, are directing and monitoring search and rescue operations,” he said.
“The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation,” Arah assured.
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