A boat mishap in Warrah, headquarters of Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, has claimed the life of no fewer than 150persons.
The incident which occurred on Wednesday 26th May 2021 at 8am is believed to have been caused by an overload of the boat.
This was confirmed by the Chairman of Warrah Local Government Council, Alhaji Abdullahi Haruna.
Mr Haruna said the accident happened on Wednesday at about 8a.m. He also confirmed that 22 people who wore life jackets had been rescued from the mishap.
He assured that a search and rescue was ongoing with plans to save the lives of those missing.
Alhaji Ahmed Inga, Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said the passengers were mainly women and children who were travelling from Niger to Kebbi on Wednesday morning when the vessel capsized.
He said the agency received report of boat mishap that occurred around 8 a.m, adding that the boat was said to have taken off at Loko Minna in Niger, by 7:30 a.m.
Inga said, the boat was carrying more than 150 passengers and most of the passengers were from Kebbi heading to a market.
He said the cause of the accident was as a result of overloading and old age of the boat.
President Muhammadu Buhari in a show of sympathy offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by this tragedy and described the news as quite devastating.
The President also extended his gratitude to the rescue team involved in the rescue efforts and wished those injured from the accident quick recovery.
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