TRAGEDY struck today in Niger State when a boat sank in the Mokwa region of the state.
Neither the number of passengers aboard the boat nor the reason of the disaster had been verified as of the time this report was filed.
Jibrim Muregi, the chairman of Mokwa Local Government, verified the tragedy to Channels Television over the phone and stated that rescue attempts are still ongoing.
He added that three members of the communities of Gbajibo, Ekwa, and Yankeiade were also impacted and that 21 dead bodies had so far been found.
Wasiu Abiodun, the state’s police public relations officer, also confirmed the incident when reached.
He however, stated that the information at the police’s disposal indicates that 13 persons are already dead.
“Information received from Gbajibo area of Mokwa indicated that a wooden boat conveying some passengers on board from Gbajibo water side heading to Tungan-Mango for farming activities capsized,” the police spokesman said.
“On receiving the report, DPO Mokwa Div mobilised police teams including marine police to the scene, in collaboration with local divers and so far thirteen persons confirmed dead as search and rescue operation is ongoing. Further development will be made public.”
The latest incident comes three months after a boat carrying families returning from a wedding sank in a river, killing over 100 people on board.
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