60 Bodies Recovered, Many Missing As Boat Carrying 300 Capsises In Niger

At least 60 bodies have been recovered following a boat accident in Niger State.

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 capsised 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 10 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.