Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has released the names and photos of some of the victims involved in a tragic boat accident that occurred on Monday.
NSEMA spokesman, Hussaine Ibrahim, who spoke to The PUNCH on telephone said the victims identified so far include:
- Murna Ezekiel from Kebbi State
- Bilyaminu Kontagora from Niger State
- Dauda Alhassan Kasabu from Niger State
- Iliya Kpchra Busuru from Niger State
Ibrahim also disclosed that two more bodies have been recovered from the river Wednesday morning and will make their names available as soon as they get the details.
The boat, which was carrying passengers going from Kasabu village in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State to Yauri, Kebbi State, capsized due to heavy rains and wind on Monday morning.
Ibrahim said since the incident, search and rescue operations by the local divers and boat owners under the supervision of the agency’s desk officer in Agwara had not stopped.
He, however, said the work of the search and rescue team had been disrupted by the continuous rains and strong wind.
The agency attributed the cause of the incident to water hyacinth as well as the strong waves.
“I want to inform you that two more bodies have been recovered this morning and as soon as we get the details I will let you know,” Ibrahim said.