Tragedy as strong waves capsize boat in Niger State, kills 10 traders
Story from Hamzat Ibrahim ABAGA, Minna
Ten persons have been confirmed dead in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State after a boat accident caused by water hyacinth, strong waves, and a grafting tree.
Saidu Salihu, the Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, confirmed the unfortunate incident to newsmen.
According to Salihu, the victims, who were primarily traders, were transporting goods from the Zongoru community in the Bassa ward to Gijiwa in preparation for the Friday market in Kuta, the headquarters of Shiroro.
Unfortunately, the boat carrying 32 of them capsized, leading to the loss of ten lives. However, local divers were able to rescue the remaining 22 passengers.
READ ALSO: Niger’s Boat Mishap: Death toll rises to 30
Ibrahim Audu, the Head of Information and Special Duties at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, also verified the occurrence of the incident.
He said, “NSEMA has received a report of a boat mishap in Shiroro, LGA on Thursday, November 16, 2023, between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm.
“A boat en route from Zangoro Bassa/Kukoki Ward terminal to Gijiwa/Kato Ward terminal in Shiroro Local Government Area capsized, sending shockwaves of grief to the families of the victims,” he said.
According to Audu, there were a total of 34 individuals on board, consisting of 20 male passengers and 14 female passengers. Among them, there were eight female children, four female adults, and 18 male adults. Tragically, ten people lost their lives, while 24 others were fortunate enough to be rescued.
Audu provided the names of those who perished in the incident: Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Abubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim, Rafiya Yakubu, and two unidentified victims.
He said the recovery of one body has been accomplished thus far, while efforts to locate the remaining victims are still ongoing.
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