Ten passengers have been confirmed dead in a boat mishap in Shiroro local government area of Niger state.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Hussaini, confirmed this in Minna weekend.
The boat was said to be travelling from Zangoro Bassa/Kukoki ward to Gijiwa/ Kate ward when the accident occurred at about 2pm on November 16.
It was learnt that 34 passengers were on board the boat with six drivers, comprising 20 males and 14 females including 8 children.
According to the PRO, “24 survivors have been identified, with efforts ongoing to gather complete information.”
He said, “Tragically, 10 lives were lost, including Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Abubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim, Rafiya Yakubu, and two unidentified victims”.
He said the cause of the accident were identified as water hyacinth, strong waves, and a grafting tree, adding that
the chairman of Shiroro LGA, in the company of NSEMA desk officers, visited the scene of the incident and search and rescue operations are ongoing.