60 Bodies Recovered, Many Still Missing After Boat Carrying 300 Capsizes in Niger

A tragic boat accident in Niger leaves at least 60 dead and many more missing as a vessel carrying 300 passengers capsizes. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities search for survivors.

At least 60 bodies have been recovered after a boat accident in Niger State.

In a statement issued by Abubakar Dakani, the Press Secretary to the Council Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, it was reported that over 300 passengers were aboard when their boat capsized in the treacherous Gbajibo River in Niger State’s Mokwa Local Government Area yesterday evening.

Dakani mentioned that the boat was en route from Mundi to Gbajibo for the Annual Maulud celebration when tragedy struck.

The release also mentioned that Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi confirmed the recovery of around 60 bodies, along with the discovery of 10 survivors.

It also mentioned that rescue efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency and local residents, to recover others who remain missing.

In September 2023, a similar boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized, resulting in the deaths of 24 individuals who were on their way to harvest crops.