Niger State Boat Mishap: 150 Persons Rescued Alive, 40 Corpses Recovered, Says NEMA

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that it has rescued 150 persons alive and recovered 42 corpses from the capsized boat in Niger state.

The recovers bodies comprising 2 females,  39 males and I child while the search for more victims is ongoing, NEMA stated on Friday, September 4, 2024 in its official X (Twitter) handle. 

The post reads: “Following the information received from NSEMA on the unfortunate incident of Boat Mishap that occurred in Mokwa LGA of Niger state, NEMA Minna operations office SAR Team with key Stakeholders including NSEMA and the Federal Fire Service, visited the scene for on the spot assessment. 

“About 300 passengers were onboard the boat from Gbajibo community in Mokwa LGA of Niger State to Gbajibo community in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State. 

“The passengers were returning from Maulud Celebration when the boat capsized due to overloading at about 8:30 pm on October 1, 2024.

“Local divers and community volunteers   in addition to critical stakeholders carried out Search and Rescue Operation. 150 persons were rescued alive 42 corpses 
comprising 2 females,  39 males and I child have been recovered so far.

The dead have been buried according to Islamic rites while search and recovery continues.”