Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, has disclosed that 22 bodies have been recovered after the boat mishap that occurred between Baro and Akwanu communities of Agaie local government area of Niger State.

It stated that a total of eight persons have been rescued alive.

The agency in a statement signed by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah in Minna, said the incident occurred on Thursday night, 28 November, 2024, at about 2:00 am.

He stated that the boat was sailing from Ebe Community of Kogi State with a population of almost 50 passengers heading to Katcha market, when the accident occurred.

According to him, ” NSEMA is currently directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and other community volunteers in the area.

“Thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers, twenty-two bodies have been recovered, and eight persons have been rescued alive so far.

“Eighteen out of the 22 bodies recovered are from Kogi State, while four are from Akwanu community in Agaie LG.

He added that a search and rescue operation was still ongoing to locate more survivors.