A boat carrying 300 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized on the River Niger in Niger State on October 1, 2024.
Key Facts:
– 9 bodies recovered (2 women, 7 men)
– 150 passengers rescued
– 150 still missing
– Incident occurred at 8:30 p.m. upstream of Jebba Dam in Mokwa Local Government Area
– Passengers were traveling to Gbajibo for Maulid celebration
Response:
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) is leading search and rescue efforts, aided by local authorities, divers, and volunteers.
Concerns:
The tragedy highlights the need for stricter safety measures to prevent overcrowding and ensure passenger safety on waterways.
Vanguard.