17th November, 2023
By Rita Iliya
No fewer than 10 persons have lost their lives in a boat mishap in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Alhaji Garba Salihu, Head of Relief and Rehabilitation in the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Friday.
He said the agency received report of a boat mishap in Shiroro council area that occurred on Nov. 16 around 2:00pm.
He said the boat left Zangoro Bassa/Kukoki ward terminal to Gijiwa/Kato ward terminal in Shiroro Local Government Area where it capsized.
Salihu said about 34 passengers were on the boat with 20 male and 14 female.
He said 24 survivors have been rescued and one body recovered, adding that search and rescue operation was ongoing to recover the remaining missing persons.
He said those who lost their lives were Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Abubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim, Rafiya Yakubu with two bodies unidentified.
He said the boat had six drivers which were Dahiru Yusuf, Sa’idu Shu’aibu, Ahmadu Garba, Sa’idu Garba, Abdulaziz Yahaya, and Lukuman Sani.
He added that the boat mishap was caused by water hyacinth, strong waves, and a grafting tree.
Salihu disclosed that the council Chairman of Shiroro, alongside the agency desk officer had visited the scene of the incident