The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that a boat carrying at least 300 passengers capsized on the River Niger near the Jebba Dam in the Gbajibo community, located in Mokwa Local Government Area.
So far, approximately 150 passengers have been rescued, and efforts are ongoing to save the others.
It was reported that approximately 150 travelers have been rescued so far, with ongoing efforts to save the remaining individuals.
The incident took place on the night of October 1, 2024, around 8:30 p.m.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, the agency reported that the boat had been carrying nearly 300 passengers from Mundi community.
The passengers, primarily women and children, were traveling for the Maulid celebration in Gbajibo.
The Director General also revealed that NSEMA is currently overseeing and coordinating search and rescue efforts alongside the State Ministry of Transport, the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, courageous local divers, and community volunteers.
The agency noted that due to the swift response from community volunteers, over 150 people have been rescued alive so far.
It also stated that search and rescue efforts are still underway to find more survivors, and the public will be kept informed with further updates.
