Capsized Boat: Niger emergency agency intensifies search for 150 passengers

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) says it is intensifying a search and rescue operation following a boat mishap in the Gabjibo community of Mokwa LGA.
NSEMA director-general Abdullahi Baba-Arah said this in a statement on Wednesday.
”The boat mishap occurred last night, October 1, around 8:30 p.m. on the River Niger upstream Jebba dam. The boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children, and was travelling from the Mundi community for Maulid celebrations at Gbajibo.
‘The agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, are directing and monitoring search and rescue operations,” he said.
He said that over 150 persons had been rescued so far due to the prompt response from community volunteers.
“The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation,” Mr Arah assured.
(NAN)
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