At least eight bodies of dead passengers have so far been recovered out of 100 from the boat mishap that occurred at Tungan Leda around Shagunu Village in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger state on Sunday.
The boat took off from Dugga Mashaya in Dugga ward carrying an estimate of 100 passengers and heading towards Wara market in Kebbi State when it occurred.
Confirming the rescue, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Hussain, said eight bodies have so far been recovered through ongoing rescue operations.
He explained that the eight bodies comprised of five females and three males, adding that many travellers were rescued while the search and rescue efforts are on.
However, in a message issued by the Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, reiterated the need for relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to rise to their responsibilities to ensure that safety precautions in water transportation are observed in riverine communities to avert incessant boat mishaps.
The governor, sympathizing with the Borgu Emirate and residents of Borgu LGA, described the incident as unfortunate and pathetic.
According to him “I feel your pains and sorrow over the sad and unfortunate news. It is truly pathetic”.
While praying to Allah to repose the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured, he also prayed to Allah to comfort the families of the victims, the Emir of Borgu Kingdom and the people of the local government.
He commended the efforts of the officials of the local government and NSEMA for quickly engaging in rescue operations in collaboration with local divers.
Bago noted that boat mishaps in recent times are becoming one too many in the State hence all hands must be on deck to reverse the ugly trend.
Recall a boat carrying 100 passengers and goods such as grains and sugar cane from Dugga in Kainji under the Borgu LGA to Wara in Kebbi capsized in Tungan Leda around Shagunu Village in the same Borgu Council.
