A devastating boat accident occurred in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, The boat carrying approximately 300 passengers, predominantly women and children, capsized during a festive journey on Tuesday evening.
The passengers were en route from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community to participate in the Maulid celebration, a significant Islamic festival honoring the birth of Prophet Muhammad. However, their joyous trip turned into a nightmare when the boat capsized.
Alhaji Absullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the incident on Wednesday, revealing that rescue operations were well underway to locate additional survivors.
According to Baba-Arah, “NSEMA received a distress report of a boat accident that occurred on the night of October 1, 2024, at approximately 8:30 pm along the River Niger, upstream of the Jebba Dam, near Gbajibo Community in Mokwa LGA.” He further elaborated that the boat was transporting around 300 passengers, mainly women and children, from Mundi Community to Gbajibo for the Maulid festivities.
Fortunately, thanks to the swift and selfless response of local volunteers, over 150 persons have been rescued alive thus far.
NSEMA is collaborating with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers to intensify search and rescue efforts.
Baba-Arah reassured the public that the search and rescue operation is ongoing, with regular updates to be provided as more survivors are located.
