The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), which is similar to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the U.S., has confirmed that 25 people have died following a boat accident in the Gbajibo community of Mokwa County (Local Government Area).
The accident happened on October 1, when a boat carrying over 200 passengers to a Mawlid celebration capsized. Abdullahi Baba-Arah, NSEMA’s director-general, said in a statement Wednesday that nine bodies were initially recovered, with an additional 16 found in ongoing rescue operations. Among the victims, 21 were male, and 4 were female.
“Sixteen corpses have been recovered so far, made up of two females and 14 males,” the statement said. Baba-Arah noted that the search continues for 125 passengers who are still missing.
NSEMA, which coordinates disaster management in Niger State, North Central Nigeria is leading the search-and-rescue efforts. It is working alongside the State Ministry of Transport, the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers.
“The rescue efforts continue, as the state mourns the loss of those who perished in the tragic accident,” Baba-Arah added. Efforts to recover more bodies are still underway.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
