At least 150 people have been reported missing following a boat incident in Gbajibo, Mokwa LGA, Niger state.
The boat incident occurred on October 1 and involved largely women and children on board the ferry.
According to reports, the victims left the Mundi community for Gbajibo to celebrate Mawlid.
On Wednesday, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), issued a statement confirming the occurrence.
Baba-Arah stated that the boat carried 300 people.
He stated that the agency and other community volunteers responded quickly, rescuing 150 people.
Baba-Arah said the agency is yet to ascertain the cause of the mishap.
The statement reads:
‘The boat mishap occurred last night Oct. 1, around 8:30 pm on the River Niger, upstream Jebba dam.”
“The boat carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children, was travelling from Mundi community for Mawlid celebrations at Gbajibo.
“The agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, are directing and monitoring search and rescue operations.
“The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation.”
Source: TheCable