The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that 13 people lost their lives while 26 others were rescued in a boat mishap that occurred in Kwata, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the Director General of NSEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, the ill-fated boat was carrying 39 passengers who were traveling to Zumba Market when the incident occurred around 11:45 am on Saturday.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Special Duties, Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, the agency revealed that among the 13 deceased were eight women, three men, and two children. The bodies have since been recovered and buried according to local customs.
"The boat was loaded with goods and passengers when it capsized on its way to the weekly market in the area," the statement explained.
This incident adds to a growing list of boat accidents in Nigeria's inland waterways, raising concerns about water transportation safety in the country, particularly in rural communities where boats serve as a primary means of transportation.
While authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the accident, overloading and poor maintenance of vessels are often cited as common factors in similar incidents across Nigerian waterways.
The Shiroro area, known for its extensive water bodies, relies heavily on boat transportation for commerce and daily movement, especially for communities attending the popular Zumba Market.
BenriNews will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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