The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that 25 people have died following the boat accident in the Gbajibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA).
The tragic incident occurred on October 1, when a boat carrying over 200 passengers heading to Gbajibo for the Mawlid celebration capsized.
In a statement on Wednesday, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of NSEMA, reported that nine bodies were initially recovered, with an additional 16 found during ongoing rescue operations. Of the victims, four are female and 21 are male.
Baba-Arah also revealed that search efforts are still underway to locate the remaining 125 passengers who are missing. “Sixteen corpses have been recovered so far, consisting of two females and 14 males,” the statement reads.
NSEMA is leading the search-and-rescue mission, collaborating with the State Ministry of Transport, the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers.
“The rescue efforts continue, as the state mourns the loss of those who perished in the tragic accident,” Baba-Arah said.
In response to the incident, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed his deep concern and heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Omar Mu’azu Shehu, and the people of Gbajibo.
Governor AbdulRazaq, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday, said, “The Governor is shocked and saddened by this tragic accident.”
He added that the governor has directed the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency (KWASEMA) to join ongoing humanitarian efforts to assist the victims, survivors, and their families.
Additionally, a high-powered delegation from the Kwara State government, led by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, is visiting Gbajibo to personally commiserate with the affected families.
As the search for the remaining passengers continues, both Niger and Kwara states are united in mourning the loss of lives from this devastating disaster.
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