A tragic boat accident in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has resulted in the loss of 24 lives, with several others still missing. The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon, leaving the affected communities in mourning and searching for their loved ones.
The exact number of passengers on the ill-fated boat and the cause of the accident remain unclear at this time. It has been reported that the passengers were not wearing life jackets when the accident happened.
The Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Jibrim Muregi, confirmed the boat mishap and stated that divers were working to rescue more victims or recover additional bodies. So far, 21 bodies have been recovered, and three communities—Gbajibo, Ekwa, and Yankeiade—have been affected.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago expressed shock at the tragic loss of lives in the boat accident. He called for the mandatory use of life jackets for anyone boarding a boat in the state and condemned overcrowding on boats. The governor extended his condolences to the families of the victims and directed the Niger State Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance to those affected by the tragedy.