Ongoing rescue mission
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that the death toll from a boat accident in Niger State has climbed to 30, with 58 individuals rescued so far.
The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Gausawa community, Borgu Local Government Area, and rescue operations remain active, according to a NEMA statement released on Thursday.
“Witnesses reported that approximately 90 passengers were aboard the vessel when it capsized,” NEMA disclosed, highlighting the scale of the tragedy that has left numerous families in mourning.
“To date, 58 survivors have been rescued, while 30 lives have been lost, with one additional body recovered this afternoon. Several passengers are still missing, and search efforts continue.”
Preliminary investigations point to overloading and a collision with a tree stump in the water channel as the primary causes of the accident.
NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, has instructed the agency’s Minna Operations Office to bolster rescue efforts.
“We are committed to doing everything possible to save lives and support the affected community,” Umar stated.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) is spearheading the operation, collaborating with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), local divers, and community volunteers to locate and assist survivors.
