By: Bayero Ade
A tragic boat mishap between Baro and Akwanu communities in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed 22 lives, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed on Friday, November 29.
The agency’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed that the boat was en route to Katcha market when it capsized. It had departed from Ebe community in Kogi State with approximately 50 passengers on board. The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Emergency responders, including staff from NSEMA, the Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, have been coordinating search and rescue efforts since the mishap.
According to Baba-Arah, 22 bodies have been recovered so far, with eight people confirmed to have survived. Among the deceased, 18 were from Kogi State, while four were residents of Akwanu community in Agaie LGA.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate more survivors. Baba-Arah assured that updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
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