33 feared dead as boat capsizes in Niger

About 33 persons, including women and children, have reportedly drowned after a boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized on River Kaduna in Niger State.

The incident occurred on Friday night, October 14, between Danchitagi village in Lavun Local Government and Gbara, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, and it was also learnt that some of the passengers were traders returning from a weekly Danchitagi market while others were returning home after attending a wedding ceremony in the neighbouring communities.

A local driver told Daily Trust, “For now, out of over 50 passengers in that boat, only 17 people have been rescued alive. We believe the rest are no more alive because they have been in the water for several hours. The water level is also high now because of rainfall. We are still doing our best to look for the remaining people. But the chance of their survival is not assured.”

A heavy rainfall accompanied by severe windstorm contributed to the incident. Some of the rescued victims were taken to Gbara rural hospital for medical attention.

Director General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Ahmed Ibrahim Inga, who confirmed the incident, said the agency had launched rescue operations with a view to saving the lives of the victims.

District Head of Gbara, Alhaji Mohammed Saba, who also confirmed the incident, said the no fewer than 60 passengers were in the boat.