Dare Babalola
Tragedy struck in Niger State on Tuesday as 30 people lost their lives in a boat accident in the Malale area of Borgu Local Government.
The incident was confirmed by the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, who said the boat was carrying over 90 passengers including women and children.
Arah stated that the ill-fated boat had departed from Tugan Sule in Shagunu ward and was heading to Dugga for a condolence visit when the incident occurred.
He disclosed that the mishap was caused by overloading and a collision with a tree stump.
“As at this time of filing, 29 dead bodies have been recovered, with 50 persons rescued alive, while two people are still missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for possible recovery of missing persons,” he stated.
The deceased victims have since been buried.
