Niger governor expresses shock as 26 persons die in boat mishap

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed shock over a boat mishap that claimed several lives in communities between Jebba and Kainji Dam in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.

Bago, who spoke in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, reiterated the importance of the use of life jackets when boarding boats.

The governor also warned residents to desist from overcrowding boats.

Bago described the incident as terrible and undesirable.

“This is quite a shocking and sorrowful situation to the people of the affected communities and I share in their sorrow. I pray that Allah will grant the deceased Aljannah Firdausi,” the governor said.

Commiserating with the families of the victims, Bago directed the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to do the needful to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

The governor prayed that Allah would comfort the families of the deceased and grant quick recovery to those injured.

It was gathered the boat was conveying over 100 persons from adjoining communities to New Gbajibo Resettlement when it capsized.

So far, 26 persons, mostly women and children, have been confirmed dead while over 30 persons have been rescued.

A combined rescue operation by marine police and local divers in collaboration with NSEMA is ongoing.