Tragic Boat Mishap in Niger State Claims Three Lives

Babatunji Wusu –

• Three persons, including two believed to be from the same family, are feared drowned in a boat accident in Niger State.

• The boat capsized around 9 pm due to a heavy windstorm while overloaded with over 200 bags of rice.

• The boat was en route from Lapai to Lokoja, Kogi State, when the incident occurred.

• The bodies of the victims have yet to be recovered, and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency is investigating.

Three individuals, two of whom are believed to be from the same family, are feared to have drowned in a boat mishap that occurred in the Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State. The boat, which was severely overloaded with over 200 bags of rice, capsized around 9 pm due to a strong windstorm. While initial reports suggested multiple passengers were aboard, a reliable source confirmed that only three individuals were on board, as the boat was already filled to capacity with cargo. Tragically, all three are feared to have drowned.

The boat was transporting rice purchased in Lapai to Lokoja, Kogi State, for sale. Due to its heavy load, the boat was dangerously overcrowded, and the storm likely exacerbated the situation, leading to the capsizing. According to the source, two of the victims were from the same family and were primarily responsible for most of the rice being transported.

Hussaini Ibrahim, the Public Relations Officer for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), acknowledged the incident but stated that the agency had yet to receive complete details. He assured the public that a statement would be issued once more information becomes available. As of now, the bodies of those feared drowned have not been recovered.