By Awwal Umar Kontagora A devastating boat mishap occurred on October 1, 2024, affecting around 200 passengers traveling from Mundi village ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
A devastating boat mishap occurred on October 1, 2024, affecting around 200 passengers traveling from Mundi village to Gbajibo village in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. The accident, which took place at approximately 8:30 p.m., has resulted in the tragic loss of over 60 lives, with rescue operations still underway and the death toll expected to rise.
According to local sources, the boat was conveying passengers on a market day journey when the mishap happened. This is the second major boat accident to occur in the area in recent months, raising concerns about safety in riverine travel. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined.
In response to the incident, the Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management is collaborating with the Ministry of Transport, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), and the National Inland Waterways Authority to investigate the circumstances surrounding the mishap. Search and rescue efforts have commenced, and authorities are working to ensure that all critical stakeholders are kept informed.
Mallam Habibu Abubakar Wushishi, Director of Media and Strategy for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, emphasized the need for residents of riverine areas to avoid night travel, refrain from overloading boats, and use only well-maintained vessels. He also stressed the importance of wearing life jackets to prevent future tragedies. The Ministry expressed its condolences to the people of Gbajibo village, the Mokwa Local Government Council, and the Niger State government over this avoidable accident.
The Hon. Commissioner, Ahmed Baba Suleiman Yumu, and Permanent Secretary, Barrister Mairo Mohammed Mann, expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, noting that it was a tragic and painful loss for the community.
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