A boat carrying 50 people capsized in Yauri Local Government, Kebbi State, with 40 passengers currently unaccounted for. The boat, en route to the Yauri weekly market, capsized around noon on Monday, originating from Kasabo in Agura Local Government, Niger State.
Bala Mohammed, the chairman of Yauri, reported that the boat capsized due to intense water waves in the Niger River. As of now, only 10 passengers have been rescued, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Contradicting reports have emerged, with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) stating that the boat was carrying 22 passengers, and none have been recovered yet. Salihu Garba, the Director-General of NSEMA, mentioned that local divers are conducting search and rescue operations under the agency’s supervision.
This incident adds to a series of boat mishaps recorded in riverine states during the current rainy season. Recent accidents in Niger and Adamawa states claimed several lives, raising concerns about safety measures, including the availability of life jackets, overloading of boats, and adherence to safety regulations. The resurgence of such incidents underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols and awareness in riverine regions across the country.
