Tragedy Strikes in Nigeria as Boat Sinks, Leaving 28 Dead and Dozens Missing

ABUYA, Nigeria (AP) -- The number of fatalities from a recent boat accident in Nigeria has risen to 28, as reported by emergency services on Monday, while communities mobilized to search for dozens of missing individuals.

The vessel sank in the Niger River on Sunday morning, carrying around 100 people, mostly women and children. They were heading to their farmlands in the community of Gbajibo, approximately 156 miles away from Minna, the state capital and nearest headquarters of rescue teams.

Due to the remote location, several hours passed before emergency crews arrived, and local villagers are now keeping an eye out for any bodies floating in the river, said Ibrahim Audu, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.

Divers retrieved four more bodies from the river on Monday morning, with approximately 40 passengers still missing, according to Audu. Thirty individuals have been rescued.

"We have instructed all communities to stay vigilant (for any sight of bodies)," he added.

The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, described the accident as "shocking and regrettable" and directed local emergency services to assist the affected individuals, as per a statement released by his office. He reiterated the importance of using life jackets and not boarding overcrowded vessels.

Concerns over boat accidents in Nigeria have been escalating. Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa, has numerous remote and riverine communities where rivers serve as the sole reliable mode of transportation.

Currently, there is no explanation for what caused the boat to sink, but emergency services mentioned that it could be due to overcrowding, the condition of the boat, or a collision with an object in the water.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-11 News

More detailed, more comprehensive, fresher news, please visit OOO NEWS.