Nigeria: 22 people drown after boat capsizes in Niger
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
The victims were reportedly traveling from Kasab village in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State to Yauri in Kebbi State when their boat capsized due to heavy rain accompanied by strong winds.
As of Tuesday evening, search and rescue teams had recovered just six bodies, including that of Pastor Kebbi in Niger State.
According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, most of the victims were on their way to trade at the Monday market in Yauri, Kebbi State when the incident occurred.
NSEMA spokesperson Hussein Ibrahim said most of the victims were not believed to be wearing life jackets.
“We have received a report from Agwara personnel regarding a boating accident that occurred between 11am and 12pm on Monday. Heavy rain has been falling in the area since morning, making it difficult for search and rescue teams to achieve good results.
“They’ve been in the water since the morning. The rain has made things difficult. Officials at the scene said they’ve recovered more bodies today.
“They’ve been in the water since the morning. They were out at sea, but rain interrupted their work. They recovered four bodies this morning and two this evening. “The victims are from Niger state, but one of them is from Zulu, Kebbi state,” Ibrahim said.
