By Aaior K. Comfort
About 70 people have died, and 134 still missing following a tragic boat mishap in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred around 8:30 PM on Independence Day on the River Niger, upstream from the Jebba Dam, near the Gbajibo Community.
According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, predominantly women and children, who were traveling from Mundi Community to participate in the Maulid celebration at Gbajibo.
NSEMA Director-General Abdullahi Baba Arah reported that community volunteers played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, saving over 150 individuals. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate additional survivors.
The state agency is collaborating with the Niger State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and other community volunteers to continue the rescue operations and recover the bodies of the deceased.
The state government recently disclosed that 182 lives have been lost to boat accidents in the past three years, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures on waterways.
The recent accident follows the distribution of 33 fiberglass boats by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) to nine states, aimed at preventing such tragedies.