- Ten lives are lost in a tragic boat mishap in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area during transportation for a market
- Environmental factors, including water hyacinth and submerged trees, contributed to the accident; search and recovery efforts are ongoing
In a devastating incident in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on Thursday evening, ten lives were tragically lost in a boat mishap. Saidu Salihu, the Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, reported that the accident occurred around 4 pm.
Most of the victims, primarily traders, were transporting goods from Zongoru community of Bassa ward to Gijiwa in preparation for the Friday market in Kuta, the headquarters of Shiroro, when the unfortunate event unfolded.
Of the 32 individuals on board, 10 lost their lives, while 22 were fortunate enough to be rescued by local divers, according to Salihu.
Ibrahim Audu, the Head of Information and Special Duties at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the heartbreaking incident. He stated, “NSEMA has received a report of a boat mishap in Shiroro, LGA yesterday (Thursday), November 16, 2023.”
Providing additional details, Audu mentioned that there were 34 people on board, comprising 20 male passengers and 14 female passengers. Among them were 8 female children, 4 female adults, and 18 male adults. Tragically, 10 lives were lost, but 24 individuals were successfully rescued.
The deceased were identified as Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Abubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim, Rafiya Yakubu, and two unidentified victims. Audu noted that one body had been recovered, and efforts were underway to locate the remaining missing individuals.
The NSEMA head attributed the cause of the accident to water hyacinth, strong waves, and a submerged tree, emphasizing the challenges posed by environmental factors. The search and recovery operation continued as the community grappled with the devastating loss.