Niger Boat Mishap: Local divers recover more bodies as casualty figures hit 30, search continues

 

Thirty bodies have now been recovered by local divers from the scene of Saturday’s boat mishap in Tijana in Munya local government area of Niger State.

The incident occurred, when 100 villagers including women were returning from a local market in Zumba, Shiroro local government area of the state.

KHORGIST learned the six months old local boat halfway into the two hours journey hit a tree stump and capsized at about 6:00pm.

The Sarkin Kasuwan (Head of the Market) Zumba, Mallam Adamu Ahmed, who confirmed the report said a total of 30 bodies have been recovered following the incident, amid a heavy windstorm and rain in the area.

He said “since the search and rescue operation started yesterday night, the local divers are still intensifying search for more bodies. This effort is from the local divers in the area. No support or logistics from any quarter and that is why the search operation is slow.”

Adamu added, “some of the victims were going back to the village to go and get some food item and return to Zumba where they are taking refuge as a result of bandits’ activities in the affected communities.”

Also, confirming the incident, the Director-General State Emergency Management Agency, Mallam Ahmed Inga said the actual number of persons on board the capsized boat were 100.

Inga explained that 28 bodies have been recovered, 65 people rescued while a search for the remaining seven persons continues.

KHORGIST further gathered that victims were from about seven communities, all in Munya local government where attacks by armed bandits are most severe.