22 Dead, 8 Rescued in Niger State Boat Accident

Tragedy struck in Niger State as 22 bodies were recovered following a boat mishap that occurred between the Baro and Akwanu settlements in the Agaie Local Government Area. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the incident and ongoing rescue efforts.

Incident Overview

The accident happened in the early hours of Thursday, November 28, 2024, around 2:00 am. According to a statement by Abdullahi Baba Arah, Director General of NSEMA, the boat was carrying over 50 passengers from Ebe Community in Kogi State to Katcha Market when the disaster occurred.

NSEMA, in collaboration with local emergency committees, volunteer divers, and community members, has been conducting search and rescue operations.

• 22 bodies recovered:
  • 18 victims were identified as residents of Kogi State.
  • 4 victims were from the Akwanu Community in Agaie Local Government Area.
• 8 survivors rescued alive.

Abdullahi Baba Arah stated: “Thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers, twenty-two bodies have been recovered, and eight persons have been rescued alive so far. Search and rescue efforts continue to locate additional survivors.”

The search operation remains active as authorities and local volunteers work tirelessly to find more survivors. The tragedy underscores the dangers of water transportation in the region, often exacerbated by overloading and poor safety measures.