Six More Bodies Recovered in Niger State Boat Tragedy

Six additional bodies have been recovered following the tragic boat accident in Niger State, which occurred on October 1. This brings the total number of confirmed dead to 42, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).

Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of NSEMA, announced on Friday that search and rescue operations remain ongoing in the Gbajibo community, where the boat capsized. “From 6 p.m. yesterday to 10 a.m. this morning, six more bodies were recovered, raising the death toll to 42,” he stated in an official communication.

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The disaster unfolded when a wooden canoe carrying over 300 passengers overturned in the river, leaving more than 150 people missing. The boat, which carried mostly women and children, was en route to Gbajibo from Mundi community for a Maulud celebration.

NSEMA, along with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, is actively coordinating rescue efforts to locate more survivors. “The search and rescue operation is still in progress, and updates will be provided to the public as they become available,” added NSEMA.