Calamity had struck in Niger State on Sunday, September 10, after a boat upturned in the Mokwa area of the state.
The specific number of people onboard the boat as at the time of the incident, and the cause of the accident is still to be confirmed as at the time of making this report.
However, the Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, Jibrim Muregi, who spoke to Channels Tv had confirmed the unfortunate incident, stating that rescue efforts were presently ongoing.
He also revealed that 21 dead bodies had been recovered, adding that three community members of Gbajibo, Ekwa and Yankeiade had also affected.
Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state had additionally, confirmed the mishap, but he had said that the actual figure for the people that lost their lives was at 13.
Abiodun had said:
“On receiving the report, DPO Mokwa Division had dispatched police teams including the marine police to the scene, in partnership with the local divers. So far only thirteen persons have been confirmed dead as the search and rescue operation is still ongoing. Further development will be made to the general public.”
This boat mishap incident is coming three months after a boat ferrying families returning from a wedding had sank in a river, killing more than 100 people in the craft.