NIGER STATE, NIGERIA – A devastating boat accident on the River Niger has left at least 150 people feared dead after a vessel carrying over 300 passengers capsized near the Jebba Dam in the Gbajibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area. The incident occurred on the night of October 1, 2024, around 8:30 p.m.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the tragic event in a statement released by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah. The boat was reportedly en route from the Mundi community, transporting a large number of women and children who were heading to Gbajibo for a Maulid celebration, a significant religious event commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
Efforts to rescue passengers began immediately following the disaster. Local volunteers, including brave divers from the community, worked alongside the Niger State Ministry of Transport and the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee. According to NSEMA, around 150 individuals have been rescued alive so far, thanks to the swift response of these volunteers.
“Thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers, over 150 persons have been rescued alive so far,” Abdullahi Baba Arah stated. “Search and rescue operations are still ongoing, and we are continuing efforts to locate more survivors.”
The exact cause of the boat’s capsizing remains unclear, but the overcrowded vessel, carrying nearly 300 passengers, is suspected to have contributed to the disaster. The Niger River, notorious for its unpredictable currents and challenging navigation, has been the site of several such tragedies in recent years, often involving overloaded boats.
Local authorities and emergency teams are continuing to search for survivors, but hope is fading as the hours pass. The rescue operations are being carefully monitored, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
This tragic incident comes during a period of festivities, making the accident even more devastating for the affected communities. Many families are now awaiting news of their loved ones as search efforts continue in the hopes of finding more survivors amidst the grim circumstances.
The public is urged to remain patient as rescue operations proceed, with officials promising to provide updates as more information is gathered.
