13 people were reported dead by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) on Sunday following a boat capsize in the state’s Shiroro Local Government Area.
The agency claims that the incident took place on Saturday, July 26.
26 people were also safely rescued from the tragedy, according to Malik Baba Suleiman, the NSEMA Deputy Public Relations Officer.
He said that eight ladies, three men, and two children were among those killed in the tragic event, and they were all buried in accordance with Islamic customs.
Even though the victims’ identities have not yet been made public, it is believed that the incident has caused the community to enter a state of mourning.
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Around 11:45 a.m., the unfortunate boat, which was allegedly overcrowded with passengers and cargo, capsized close to Guni village while traveling to Zumba. Although investigations are still ongoing, it is thought that water turbulence and potential overloading caused the accident.
Via NSEMA, the Niger State Government has cautioned river users to heed safety precautions and steer clear of crowded vessels, particularly during the rainy season when water levels fluctuate.
In the meantime, a cholera outbreak that has spread throughout six local government areas in Niger State has reportedly resulted in at least 13 fatalities and over 236 hospitalizations.
After being discovered in Shiroro LGA on Sunday, the infection quickly spread to the local councils of Bosso, Minna, Magama, Bida, and Munya, alarming the local population and forcing the state administration to act quickly.
Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, the state’s commissioner for primary healthcare, reportedly verified the development on Wednesday and stated that the administration has implemented a multi-sectoral strategy to stop the waterborne disease’s spread.
