At least seven people have died, seven hospitalised and 136 missing in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State after a boat carrying 150 passengers returning from Malali Market capsized along the River Niger.
The accident is believed to have occurred early on Saturday after the boat hit a branch of a tree in the water.
Confirming the incident, coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in-charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, Sulaiman Muhammad, said a joint team of fishermen and officials of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) went on a rescue mission for the missing passengers.
He said: “As soon as we had got the hint of the mishap, we put a call to the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority to help rescue the missing passengers.
“All the people on board were missing, but as rescue and search continue wide and deep of the river intensified, 14 people have been discovered; seven died and seven have been taken to Ngaski Hospital.”
Ngaski Local Government Area is two hours journey from the river where the incident happened.
