TRAGEDY STRIKES NIGER STATE AS BOAT ACCIDENT CLAIMS 31 LIVES

A devastating boat accident has occurred in Niger State, claiming the lives of at least 31 people, with several others still missing. The incident happened on September 2 at around 11:30am in the Gausawa community of Borgu Local Government Area. The boat, carrying about 90 passengers, including women and children, capsized while on its way to a condolence visit in Dugga.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed that the boat took off from Tugan Sule in Shagunu ward and was headed to Dugga when the tragedy occurred. According to Arah, the cause of the incident has been attributed to overloading and collision with a tree stump. “The cause of the incident has been attributed to overloading and collision with a tree stump,” Arah said in a statement.

As of the time of filing the report, 31 dead bodies had been recovered and buried, while 50 people had been rescued alive. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to account for missing persons. “As of the time of filling this report, 31 dead bodies have been recovered and buried, and 50 persons have been rescued alive, while search and rescue operations are still ongoing for the possible recovery of missing persons,” the statement read.

The NSEMA DG expressed sadness over the incident and commiserated with the families of the victims. The agency is working to ensure that all necessary support is provided to those affected by the tragedy. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and the NSEMA is urging everyone to remain calm and cooperate with the rescue efforts.