Nigeria: 30 people drown in Fresh Kebbi boat accident
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
Over 30 people reportedly drowned after a boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Monday.
Yauri Provincial Council Speaker Bala Yauri confirmed the ugly development to Voice of America by phone, saying the local government was deeply saddened by the incident.
He said efforts by local divers were in full swing to find the bodies of the drowned passengers in the river.
“According to the information I have gathered, more than 50 people were involved in the accident, some managed to escape, but as I speak, more than 30 of them are still trapped in the river.
“We mobilized local divers to attempt to locate the bodies of the victims in order to properly evacuate them and, in some cases, give them proper burial in accordance with Islamic law.
“It is my understanding that before the unfortunate incident, this boat was loaded with passengers who were mainly traders from Niger or Kebbi states, and food items for sale.”
Witnesses to the incident Mr. Alhaji Sani Yauri also acknowledged that: The accident was caused by strong winds and the driver lost control of the boat.
“I was there when the incident happened. “Due to strong winds, the driver of the boat lost control and immediately capsized.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria State Police spokesperson, DSP Nafiu Attempts to speak with Mr. Abubakar were never successful as he did not respond to calls or text messages at the time of writing this report.
