Boat Mishap Claims 26 People in Niger

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Not less than 26 people have been confirmed dead in a boat mishap in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State Sunday morning.

An unknown number of commuters in the ill fated canoe are still missing.

According to a source, the boat ran into a stormy weather on River Niger resulting in its accident.

The deceased, mostly women and children, were said to be from four communities in New Gbajibo Ekwa and Yankeide and were said to be heading towards their farms in Old Gbajibo before the accident occured.

The  Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Mr Jibrin Muregi, confirmed the story, saying rescue efforts are presently ongoing, adding that so far, 21 bodies have been recovered from the river.

The Acting Director, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Garba Saliu, when contacted, confirmed the incident, saying marine policemen have moved into the area in search of other travellers in the canoe.

Salihu said the deceased were mostly women and children who were said to be going to their farm between 8 and 9am of Sunday.