At least eight out of the 24 persons involved in a boating accident that occurred on Monday in Kasabu community of Agwara Local Council of Niger State have been rescued.
The boat was ferrying the passengers to the Yauri fish market in Kebbi State when the accident happened.
A statement issued by Habibu Wushishi, the Director of Media and Strategy, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, had revealed that they were rescued through the combined efforts of both divers and the owners of the boat.
The ministry had revealed that the rescued were receiving treatment before reuniting them with their family members.
The statement had read partly:
“While the search and rescue mission had ended, the Ministry in partnership with the appropriate stakeholders is working assiduously to determine the remote and immediate cause of the mishap to avert the recurrence of the unfortunate incident.”
Earlier in the week, Ahmed Baba Suleiman Yumu, the state’s Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ahmed Baba Suleiman Yumu, and the Permanent Secretary, Barrister Mairo Mohammed Mann, had sympathised with the bereaved families, while assuring them that the ministry will heighten the awareness campaign in the riverine communities to prevent future t tragedies .
Additionally, Yumu had acknowledged the efforts of local divers, boat owners, staff of the ministry, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Agwara Local Government Desk officers and the Kebbi State government for a job successfully done.
