Boat Mishap:  13 Bodies Recovered Others Still Missing in Niger State 

Daniel  Ebi, Minna 

Following Saturday’s devastating boat mishap, thirteen bodies have so far been recovered, while others are yet to be seen.

The Director General Niger State Emergency Management Agency NSEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah has confirmed that bodies were  recovered through the combined efforts of his men and local divers.

He said efforts are being made to recover  others while others are still missing in Shiroro local government area of Niger state.

It was reported that the incident occurred around 11:45 in the morning 
around Kwata heading to Zumba market
on Saturday when a boat loaded with goods and passengers capsized on their way to the weekly market.

In a statement issued by the director Information and Special Duties, Dr Ibrahim Hussaini, noted that the driver and few passengers were rescued with one of them being admitted in General Hospital Kuta has been discharged.

A moment for the fallen: Gov. Sule’s silent prayer echoes beyond borders

He added that the number of casualties is yet to be ascertained as search and rescue operations are still ongoing by the NSEMA desk officers, local divers and volunteers in the community.

It could be recalled that the Niger state government through NSEMA, National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission N-HYPPADEC and NIWA among others have distributed life jackets to various riverine communities but enforcement to no avail, hence the high rates of casualties when boat mishap occurred.