At least 22 people have lost their lives in a tragic boat accident between Baro and Akwanu communities in the Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the recovery of the bodies.
It was earlier reported that at least eight bodies were recovered following a boat accident that occurred on Friday. The vessel, reportedly carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm labourers, capsized along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger. The boat, owned by a man identified as Musa Dangana, tragically plunged all passengers into the turbulent waters.
In a statement, NSEMA’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed that the accident happened in the early hours of Friday, 29 November 2024.
The vessel was travelling from Ebe Community in Kogi State to the Katcha weekly market. Contrary to initial reports, the boat was carrying nearly 50 passengers at the time of the incident.
He said: “NSEMA is currently directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and other community volunteers in the area.
“Thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers, twenty-two bodies have been recovered, and eight persons have been rescued alive so far.
“Eighteen out of the 22 bodies recovered are from Kogi State, while four are from Akwanu community in Agaie LG.”
Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to recover more victims and determine the full extent of the tragedy.
