A sorrowful tale across the River Niger on Tuesday as three traders lost their lives and one remains missing after a canoe capsized during a return trip from Yauri market in Kebbi State. The tragic incident, reported by the Red Cross Society of Nigeria, occurred at exactly 11:14 a.m., when the canoe struck a submerged stone near Hikiya in the Rohiya Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to eyewitness accounts, the ill-fated traders had concluded their market dealings and were on their way home when the vessel, unable to withstand the impact, flipped tossing its occupants into the river’s unforgiving currents.
“It was a routine journey turned fatal,” said a local familiar with the route.
Red Cross Disaster Response Team Lead, Nafiu Nuhu, confirmed the accident and stated that three bodies were recovered and have since been buried in Hikiya, while the search for the missing trader continues. Rescue efforts were swiftly mobilized, involving the Red Cross, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and community volunteers, who managed to pull some survivors from the water.
