The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that no fewer than 100 persons are missing from a boat mishap that occurred near Corner Libata Ingaski, a border town between Kebbi and Niger State.
The Director-General of the agency (NSEMA) Ahmed Inga, told NAN that the passengers, believed to be mainly women and children, were travelling from Niger to Kebbi on Wednesday morning when the vessel capsized.
Inga said that the boat was carrying more than 180 passengers and most of the passengers were from Kebbi heading to a market.
According to him, the accident was due to overload and the state of the boat, adding that more than 20 people had been rescued and four bodies recovered.
Inga further stated that search and rescue operation was ongoing by the Marine police and other agencies.
Reacting, President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu expressed sadness over the capsizing of the boat.
He offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy.
”While efforts are ongoing to recover more survivors, the president extended his gratitude to all those involved in the rescue efforts.”
He also wished those injured from the accident quick recovery.
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