Niger State Boat Capsize: Over 150 Missing; Here is What We Know
A tragic boat accident occurred in Niger State, Nigeria, where a boat carrying over 300 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized at Gbajibo in Mokwa Local Government Area. This incident took place on the evening of October 1, 2024, around 8:30 pm, as the boat was traveling from Mundi Community to Gbajibo for a Mawlid celebration.
- Casualties and Missing: Over 150 individuals are reported missing, with fears that many might have perished.
- Rescue Efforts: The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has been actively involved in search and rescue operations alongside local divers, community volunteers, and other governmental bodies. As of the latest reports, over 150 people have been rescued alive, but the operation continues in hopes of finding more survivors.
- Public Reaction: The incident has drawn widespread concern and condolences from various news outlets and social media platforms, reflecting the community’s shock and grief over the tragedy.
This event underscores the ongoing issues with water transportation safety in Nigeria, often linked to overloading of boats, lack of safety measures, and adverse weather conditions. The search for the missing continues, with no official confirmation yet on the number of deaths directly attributed to this capsize.
