Boat Mishap Claims 26 in Niger

Laleye Dipo in Minna

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

Unknown numbers of persons in the ill-fated canoe are still missing.

According to a source, the boat capsized after running into a stormy weather on the River Niger. 

The deceased who are mostly women and children were said to be members of four communities in New Gbajibo Ekwa, Yankeide and were said to be heading towards their farms in Old Gbajibo before the accident occurred.

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

The Acting Director of Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Garba Saliu, also confirmed the incident, saying that Marine Policemen have moved into the area in search of other travelers in the canoe.