Boats on a lake. At least 28 people have died and 65 rescued after a boat capsized in Niger State, north central Nigeria on May 8, 2021. PHOTO | FILE | NMG
By MOHAMMED MOMOH
Abuja,
At least 28 people have died and 65 rescued after a boat capsized in Niger State, north central Nigeria.
The State Emergency Management Agency said the boat carrying about 100 people capsized on Saturday at about 6pm.
The passengers were returning from a local market in Zumba, in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
Local divers engaged in search and rescue from when the accident occurred, and are still searching for the missing passengers.
The Sarkin Kasuwan (Head of the Market) in Zumba, Mr Adamu Ahmed, said 28 bodies were recovered in the search and rescue operation.
He said the local divers are still working but the search is slow due to lack of logistical support.
“Among the victims were also some returnees who had earlier fled their homes with their children due to bandit attacks,” Mr Ahmed said.
