By John Moses
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the tragic boat mishap that occurred on Saturday in Zumba, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
The Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba Arah, made the disclosure in an interview with The Cabal, clarifying that contrary to earlier media reports, 39 individuals were on board the ill-fated boat, out of which 26 were rescued while 13 died.
According to Arah, the victims comprised eight women, three men, and two children. The boat was also carrying livestock, including cattle and rams, at the time of the accident.
He explained that the tragedy occurred when the boat struck a submerged stump, which caused it to split and take in water, leading to the fatal incident.
Arah stated that a team from NSEMA, led by a director, swiftly arrived at the scene and worked with local divers to conduct search and rescue operations, which led to the successful rescue of 26 passengers.
He added that those rescued received medical attention at nearby health facilities and have since been reunited with their families. The bodies of the deceased were recovered and handed over to their respective families for burial.
The mishap reportedly occurred on Saturday afternoon as the passengers were en route to the popular Zumba market in Shiroro LGA to sell their goods.
