NSEMA Reports: 300 Passengers in Niger Boat Incident, 150 Rescued

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that a boat carrying around 300 passengers capsized on the River Niger upstream of the Jebba Dam in the Gbajibo community, Mokwa Local Government Area.

So far, about 150 travelers have been rescued, and efforts continue to find the remaining individuals.

The incident occurred last night, October 1, 2024, around 8:30 p.m.

In a statement, Director General Abdullahi Baba Arah noted that the boat was traveling from Mundi community, primarily carrying women and children for the Maulid celebration in Gbajibo.

NSEMA is currently overseeing the search and rescue operations in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transport, local emergency committees, brave divers, and community volunteers.

“However, thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers; over 150 persons have been rescued alive so far.

“The search and rescue operation is still ongoing to locate more survivors, and the general public will be provided with the update,” the agency added.