5 bodies recovered and scores missing as boat carrying 100 passengers capsizes in Niger

At least 5 bodies have been recovered and scores of others are reportedly miis have been reported missing when a passenger boat with about 100 passengers on board capsized in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Disaster Officer, Borgu LGA in the state, Mallam Musa Said confirmed the development saying search and rescue operations were still ongoing but five bodies have been recovered.

The Director General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba Arah, also confirmed the incident, saying that the number of deaths and survivors was yet to be established.

He said the boat took off from Dugga Mashaya in Dugga ward, Borgu LGA heading to Wara market in Kebbi State with passengers estimated to be around a hundred in number and goods, such as grains and sugar cane.

Arah said, “NASEMA has received a report of a boat mishap that occurred at Borgu LGA. The incident happened this afternoon, Monday 15th January 2024, at about 2:05pm.

“No clear information about deaths and survivors yet. Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are ongoing by the local divers, NSEMA desk officers, and local government officials. Updates will be forwarded as they are received.”

However unconfirmed sources attributed the incident to waves of the river and overloading.

Niger State has experienced several boat mishaps in the last few months that claimed several lives.

The latest incident was in November 2023 in Shiroro LGA where no fewer than 10 lives were lost.

In another development, No fewer than 120 people were rendered homeless, while 44 rooms were destroyed on Monday in Megida Onikahun compound, Edun Isale in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State where fire engulfed the ancient compound and the market in the area.

It was gathered that four aged people were evacuated by some Good Samaritans from the house as thick smoke engulfed the traditional building.

The Kwara State Fire Service however said that no one was injured in the incident which lasted for more than one hour before its men put out the raging fire.

Head of Media and Publicity of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, said the fire incident which started from a refuse dump in the morning was attended to around 11:08am by the state firefighters.

According to Adekunle,

“The Kwara State Fire Service operatives responded to a fire incident at Megida Onikanhun Compound, Edun Isale, Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State on Monday, January 15, 2024.The firefighters, upon arrival, found the entire compound and Edun Market engulfed in flames due to a late call. To enhance firefighting efforts, part of the fence was dismantled for better access.

“At 11:22 am, an assistant message was sent to the Brigade Headquarters for additional manpower, and the proficient firefighters successfully brought the situation under control within an hour before completely extinguishing the fire.

“Investigation revealed that an unknown person had ignited refuse, initially mistaken for harmless smoke. Unfortunately, it had spread to the nearby compound, lamenting that the incident left over 120 occupants homeless, affecting 44 rooms and a mosque in the 75-room Magaji Onikanhun Compound. Fortunately, there were no casualties”, he said.

“The Federal Fire Service and officers from the Department of Disaster Management of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and State Emergency Management Agency were present at the scene. The NSCDC officers ensured crowd control to prevent potential looting, safeguarding both market goods and the firefighters”, he said.

Adekunle said he expressed condolences to Magaji Megida Onikanhun’s representative, Kuranga Adebayo on behalf of the Director of the state Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, after the fire had been put under control.

He said that the director urged the general public to always play safe especially during this period of dry season and not to hesitate to call the fire brigade on time whenever there is any fire emergency in their areas, as this would save lives and property in the state.

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