Over 150 Rescued, Dozens Still Missing After Boat Carrying 300 Passengers Capsizes on River Niger Near Jebba Dam in Niger State
A devastating boat mishap occurred on the evening of October 1, 2024, when a vessel carrying around 300 passengers capsized on the River Niger near Gbajibo community in Mokwa Local Government Area. The passengers, mainly women and children, were traveling from the Mundi community for a Maulid celebration.
The boat capsized around 8:30 pm while traveling upstream of the Jebba Dam, prompting a swift rescue response from local authorities and volunteers. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), along with local divers and volunteers from nearby communities, managed to rescue over 150 passengers. However, many others remain unaccounted for, with rescue operations ongoing.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of NSEMA, confirmed the number of passengers rescued so far and praised the quick response of community volunteers, which was crucial in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Local divers are continuing to search for those still missing, while authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
Officials are urging the public to remain calm as the search and rescue efforts continue. The Niger State Ministry of Transport and the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee are also assisting in the operation. Updates are expected as more information becomes available on the missing passengers.
