Niger: Boat with 200 Passengers capsizes in Mokwa

A boat carrying approximately 200 passengers capsized on Monday, October 1st, 2024

The ill-fated boat had departed from Mundi Village, transporting the victims to Gbajibo Village in Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State, following a market day.

The Director of Media and Strategy for the Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Malam Habibu Wushishi, confirmed the incident in a press statement issued on Wednesday in Minna. He highlighted that a rescue mission is underway.

Wushishi stated that the exact cause of the boat mishap has not yet been determined.

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He added that the Honorable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Alhaji Ahmed Baba Suleiman Yumu, and the Permanent Secretary, Barrister Mairo Mohammed Mann, expressed shock and sorrow upon receiving news of the tragic accident.

The statement further noted that the ministry is working closely with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The ministry promised to keep all relevant stakeholders informed as more information becomes available.

Wushishi also recalled that this is the second boat mishap in the same village in recent months.

He urged residents of riverine areas to avoid night travel, refrain from overloading boats, ensure the use of safe, well-maintained vessels, and prioritize the use of life jackets to prevent future tragedies.

The Ministry expressed its condolences to the people of Gbajibo Village, the Mokwa Local Government Council, and the Niger State Government over this unfortunate and avoidable accident.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE