A devastating boat accident has occurred in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving no fewer than 150 passengers feared missing.
The ill-fated vessel, carrying over 300 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized during a Maulid celebration journey on Tuesday.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Absullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the incident and stated that rescue efforts are ongoing to locate more survivors. “NSEMA received a report of a boat accident that occurred on the night of October 1, 2024, around 8:30 pm along River Niger, upstream of Jebba Dam, at Gbajibo Community in Mokwa LGA,” he revealed.
The boat was transporting approximately 300 passengers, mainly women and children, from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community for the Maulid celebration. NSEMA is coordinating search and rescue operations in partnership with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers.
Thanks to the swift response of local volunteers, over 150 persons have been rescued alive so far. Baba-Arah assured that the search and rescue operation is ongoing, with further updates to be provided to the public as more survivors are located.
This tragic incident adds to the recent challenges faced by Niger State, including floods that claimed 11 lives and washed away 245 schools. The state government has, however, shown commitment to education, allocating 50% of its 2025 budget to the sector.
