Niger State Boat Fire: Three missing, goods worth millions lost
Three individuals have been reported missing following a tragic incident in Niger State.
A wooden passenger boat caught fire shortly after departing from Katcha community in Katcha Local Government Area on Friday.
According to an eyewitness named Abdulmalik Adamu, the incident occurred at approximately 6 pm, just after the boat had finished loading goods and passengers returning to their villages following the weekly Katcha market day.
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The boat’s engine caught fire while the operator was powering it, causing passengers to scramble for safety.
Confirming the incident to Channels Television, the leader of the boat operators in Katcha, Dangana Boat, did not disclose the cause of the fire but stated that the boat was completely consumed by the flames, along with goods worth millions of naira.
Regrettably, three individuals, primarily children, remain unaccounted for.
Local divers at the boat dock assisted in evacuating some of the victims and promptly moved the burning boat away from others.
The boat had been transporting passengers to Zakanti, Danbo, and various riverine communities in Katcha and Agaie Local Government Areas of Niger State.
