Boat mishap claims 10 lives in Niger—NSEMA

<p>A total of 10 persons have allegedly died in a boat mishap in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.</p>, <p>The deceased include Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Abubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim, and Rafiya Yakubu, as well as two unidentified victims.</p>, <p>The tragedy reportedly occurred on Thursday between 1:30 pm and 2 pm due to strong waves and water hyacinth.</p>, <p>DAILY POST learnt that the boat capsized while conveying 34 passengers from Zangoro Bassa-Kukoki Ward terminal to Gijiwa-Kato Ward terminal in Shiroro LG.</p>, <p>The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in a statement signed by the</p>, <p>Head of Information and Special Duties, Ibrahim Audu Hussani, confirmed the boat accident.</p>, <p>Hussaini said that during a visit to the scene with the Shiroro LG chairman, it was discovered that the mishap was caused by water hyacinth and strong waves. A grafting tree was also identified as a factor that contributed to the development.</p>, <p>He explained that the boat had on board 34 people, comprising 10 males, 14 females, and 10 children.</p>, <p>Hussani disclosed that at the moment, a total of 24 survivors have been identified, with efforts ongoing to gather complete information.</p>, <p>According to him, search-and-rescue operations are ongoing at the scene.</p>, <p>NSEMA further revealed that the boat had six drivers, identified as Dahiru Yusuf, Sa’idu Shu’aibu, Ahmadu Garba, Sa’idu Garba, Abdulaziz Yahaya, and Lukuman Sani.</p>