Again, Boat Capsizes with 22 Passengers on Board in Niger State

In a harrowing incident that unfolded yesterday, a boat carrying 22 passengers on board from Kasabu village in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State to Yauri in Kebbi State has tragically capsized. The calamity occurred between the hours of 11 am and 12 pm, sending shockwaves throughout the region.

Alhaji Salihu Garba, overseeing Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed this distressing event to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a press briefing held in Minna earlier today.

Garba revealed that the agency received a distress call reporting the boat mishap and promptly initiated search and rescue operations. He emphasized that the operations were actively underway, with local divers and boat owners tirelessly working under the agency’s supervision, specifically guided by the agency’s desk officer in Agwara.

As of now, no passengers have been recovered from the water, leaving families anxiously awaiting news of their missing loved ones. It is worth noting that the incident occurred on a busy Yauri market day, adding to the complexity of the situation.

Garba explained that due to the nature of such incidents, it often takes approximately 24 hours for drowned individuals to surface. The exact number of casualties and survivors remains uncertain at this early stage of the operation.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the boat’s tragic capsizing could be attributed to a combination of factors, primarily the presence of water hyacinth along with strong waves, creating a perilous environment for the ill-fated voyage.

The authorities are urging caution and patience as rescue efforts continue, and they are providing support to the affected families during this difficult time. The entire community stands united in hope for the safe recovery of the missing passengers. Further updates on this heartbreaking incident will be provided as soon as they become available.