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The boat was carrying over 300 passengers when it capsised.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has said over 150 persons have been rescued so far following a boat mishap in Gabjibo community of Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.
The Director-General of NSEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah said the feat was achieved as a result of the prompt response from community volunteers.
He said the cause of the mishap is yet to be determined, adding that it is intensifying search and rescue operations.
“The boat mishap occurred last night Oct. 1, around 8:30 pm on the River Niger upstream Jebba dam.
“The boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers, mostly women and children, and was travelling from the Mundi community for Maulid celebrations at Gbajibo.
The agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers, are directing and monitoring search and rescue operations,” he said.
“The agency will provide accurate and timely updates on the situation,” Arah assured.
According to a release by the Press Secretary to the Council Chairman of Mokwa local government, Abubakar Dakani, the boat was carrying over 300 passengers when it capsised.
Dakani said the boat was travelling from Mundi to Gbajibo for the Annual Maulud celebration when tragedy struck.
The release also confirmed that Council Chairman Abdullahi Muregi acknowledged the recovery of approximately 60 bodies, while 10 survivors have been found.
