At least 22 bodies have been recovered and eight people rescued after a boat capsized between Baro and Akwanu communities in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2024. The boat, travelling from Ebe Community in Kogi State with nearly 50 passengers, was heading to the Katcha weekly market when the mishap happened.
Abdullahi Baba Arah, NSEMA&rsquo;s Director General, confirmed the casualties in a statement from Minna, noting that search and rescue operations are ongoing. &ldquo;Thanks to the swift response from local divers and community volunteers, 22 bodies have been recovered so far, while eight survivors have been rescued,&rdquo; he said.
Of the deceased, 18 were identified as residents of Kogi State, while four were from Akwanu in Agaie Local Government. Witness accounts suggest the vessel, owned by Musa Dangana, may have been overloaded, reportedly carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm labourers.
NSEMA is coordinating rescue efforts with the Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and volunteers in the area. Officials and community members remain hopeful of finding more survivors as operations continue.

Rescue operation carried out after the boat capsized

Overloaded boat capsizes en route to Katcha market; rescue efforts continue

22 Dead, 8 Rescued in Niger State Boat Tragedy

Overloaded boat capsizes en route to Katcha market; rescue efforts continue

November 30, 2024 | 22:56 IST