Over 150 Rescued After Boat Carrying 300 Overturns in Niger State

A boat carrying over 300 passengers capsized on the River Niger near Jebba Dam in the Gbajibo hamlet of Mokwa Local Government Area, according to reports confirmed by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA). The tragic incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on October 1, 2024.

As of now, approximately 150 passengers have been rescued, with search and rescue operations still ongoing for the remaining individuals. The NSEMA Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, released a statement confirming that the majority of the passengers were women and children attending a Maulid ceremony in Gbajibo. The boat was traveling from the Mundi community, which has a population of about 300 people.

NSEMA, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transportation, the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and other community volunteers, has been spearheading the rescue efforts. DG Arah praised the quick response of community volunteers, noting that their swift action had already saved over 150 lives. The agency assured the public that search and rescue operations will continue, and updates will be provided as more survivors are found.