150 Feared Dead as Boat Capsizes in River Niger

According to Punch one hundred and fifty persons were feared dead on Friday following a boat mishap in River Niger, close to Malilli village in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The accident happened at about 2 pm. While 42 bodies were recovered and confirmed dead, over 100 others are reportedly missing.

As at 10:30pm, no  there was no survivor. Divers were still at the river looking for more victims.

The Public Relation Officer of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Ibrahim Hussaini, told Punch correspondent via the telephone that the incident occurred as the traders were returning from Malili village to their village, Tunga Illo, which is across the River Niger.

He said, “The boat was believed to have carried over 150 passengers, mostly traders when it capsized mid way into its journey, resulting in the drowning of 42 passengers, while 100 others are missing.

“Swimmers from Malili village swung into action immediately after they heard about the mishap, retrieving 42 corpses from the river, while efforts are being made to rescue possible survivors along the bank of the river or the corpses of those that drown.

“At the moment, search and rescue is ongoing on the river, I will make the detail of the incident known soon.”