The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that 13 people died in Saturday’s boat mishap in Zumba, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba Arah, disclosed this to Newsmen, clarifying that contrary to earlier media reports, 39 people were onboard the ill-fated boat. He said 13 lost their lives while 26 others were successfully rescued.
According to him, the deceased included eight women, three men, and two children. The boat was also carrying livestock, including cattle and rams.
Arah explained that the accident occurred when the boat struck a submerged stump, causing it to split in two and fill with water, leading to the tragic loss of lives.
He noted that NSEMA promptly deployed a response team, led by a director, to the scene. The team, working with local divers, was able to rescue 26 passengers.
The rescued victims received medical treatment at local health facilities and have since been reunited with their families. The bodies of the deceased were recovered and handed over to their relatives for burial.
The mishap occurred Saturday afternoon while the passengers were en route to the popular Zumba Market to sell their wares.
