A tragic boat accident occurred on Thursday night, November 28, 2024, at about 2 am, between Baro and Akwanu communities in the Agaie local government area of Niger State. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the recovery of 22 bodies, while eight persons have been rescued alive so far.
According to the Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba Arah, the boat was sailing from Ebe Community of Kogi State with almost 50 passengers heading to Katcha market when the accident occurred. The boat, belonging to Musa Dangana, was carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm laborers, when it capsized, throwing everyone on board into the water.
NSEMA is currently directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers. The agency has expressed gratitude to the community volunteers for their prompt response, which has led to the recovery of 22 bodies and the rescue of eight persons.
The breakdown of the recovered bodies shows that 18 are from Kogi State, while four are from Akwanu community in Agaie LG. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing to locate more survivors.
