Tragedy in Niger State: 13 Killed in Boat Accident

A boat capsized in the state’s Shiroro Local Government Area on Sunday, killing thirteen people, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
As per the agency, the incident took place on Saturday, July 26.
According to Malik Baba Suleiman, the NSEMA Deputy Public Relations Officer, 26 people were also safely saved from the tragedy.

The unfortunate incident claimed the lives of eight women, three men, and two children, all of whom were buried in accordance with Islamic customs, he said.

It is understood that the occurrence has now plunged the community into a state of grief, even though the identities of the fatalities have not yet been made public.

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Around 11:45 a.m., the unfortunate vessel, which was allegedly overcrowded with cargo and people, overturned close to Guni village while traveling to Zumba. Although investigations are ongoing, it is thought that water turbulence and potential overloading caused the accident.

River users are being cautioned by the Niger State Government, through NSEMA, to follow safety precautions and steer clear of crowded boats, particularly during the rainy season when water levels fluctuate.

Meanwhile, a cholera outbreak that has spread throughout six local government areas of Niger State has reportedly resulted in at least 13 fatalities and over 236 hospitalizations.

Shiroro LGA was the initial site of the epidemic on Sunday, but it quickly spread to the local councils of Bosso, Minna, Magama, Bida, and Munya, alarming the locals and forcing the state government to act quickly.

The state’s primary healthcare commissioner, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, reportedly acknowledged the development on Wednesday and stated that the administration has implemented a multi-sectoral strategy to stop the waterborne disease’s spread.