October 3, (THEWILL) – At least 27 persons have been declared missing and seven others rescued after a wooden boat carrying 34 persons along Agwara and Yauri Local Government Areas of Niger and Kebbi States capsized on Monday.
The boat, which is said to be conveying passengers from Gebbe, Kasabo and other waterfronts on River Niger to the Yauri market, capsized a few meters from its destination.
Authorities in Yauri said an investigation into the incident is ongoing, but a preliminary report indicates that the boat capsized following a heavy windstorm that accompanied the weather.
Confirming the incident, Managing Director of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Abubakar Yelwa, said seven persons were rescued and 27 others still missing.
Yelwa said the fatality rate would have been less if passengers wore life jackets before sailing.
About the Author
