Search-and-Rescue Operation Continues in River Niger Boat Tragedy; Many of 200 Passengers Unaccounted for

The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Friday, confirmed that a boat carrying at least 200 people, has capsized along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger.

Confirming the accident, the Head of NIWA’s Media Department, Mr. Suleman Makama, said that the passengers were mostly market women from Missa community in Kogi State heading to a weekly market in neighbouring Niger State.

Although the number of casualties has not been officially ascertained, a report said eight bodies had been recovered by Friday morning.

Makama said: “It’s true that there was a boat mishap on Thursday involving quite a number of women heading to the market in Niger State. We are still investigating to determine the number of people involved and the cause of the accident.”

However, a report quoting an eyewitness said none of the passengers wore life jackets, a situation that may significantly increase the risk of fatalities.

The eyewitnesses told the Punch online that the boat was owned by one Musa Dangana, and was carrying the over 200 passengers, including market women and farm labourers, to the Katcha weekly market in Niger State.