A devastating boat accident occurred in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday, resulting in the loss of 13 lives. The incident happened when a boat carrying 39 passengers and goods capsized on its way to the Zumba weekly market. According to the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, the boat hit a tree stump underwater and split into two, leading to the tragic accident.
The NSEMA confirmed that 26 passengers were rescued, while 13 bodies were recovered and buried. The victims included eight women, three men, and two children. The agency’s prompt response and rescue efforts helped save many lives, but the tragedy highlights the need for increased safety measures in the state’s waterways.
The boat accident occurred around 11 am when the passengers were traveling from Kwata to Zumba. The boat was loaded with goods and passengers, and the incident has sent shockwaves through the community. The Niger State Government, through NSEMA, National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, and the National Inland Waterways, had distributed life jackets to various riverine communities as safety measures for travelers.
The government has taken steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future, but the incident highlights the importance of continued efforts to improve safety measures and emergency response in the state’s waterways. The NSEMA and other relevant authorities are working to ensure that such incidents are minimized, and the lives of travelers are protected.
The tragedy has brought grief to the families of the victims, and the community is still coming to terms with the loss of lives. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and emergency preparedness in preventing such tragedies. The Niger State Government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that it will continue to work towards improving safety and security in the state.
