The search and rescue team Sunday announced that 26 persons were brought out alive from Saturday’s boat mishap in Shiroro local government area of Niger state.
An update from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) showed 39 passengers were on the boat.
Of the figure, the agency said, 26 persons were rescued with 13 deaths recorded, while the corpses recovered had since been buried, according to the agency’s deputy public relations officer, Malik Baba Suleiman.
A breakdown of the figure also indicated that of the 13 that died, eight were women, three men and two were children.
Speaking further in a statement, a copy of which was made available to Blueprint, Director-General NSEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah said: “NSEMA can confirm a boat mishap incident with 13 bodies recovered while others are still missing in Shiroro local government area of Niger state.”
The incident reportedly occurred Saturday around 11:45 in River Kaduna near Kwata village while heading to Zumba market.
Witness account said the boat, loaded with goods and passengers, capsized on their way to the weekly market.
NSEMA has however raised the alarm over the rejection of boat owners and passengers to use life jackets even when such life- saving facilities are available from government agencies.
“The Niger state government through NSEMA, National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) and NIWA among others have distributed life jackets to various riverine communities but enforcement of the villagers and boat operators do not adhere to the rules. This is the reason for the high rates of casualties when boat mishap occurred,” the agency further said.
…Bago condoles with families
Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has extended his deep condolences to the people of Shiroro local government over the boat mishap that occurred while heading to a market in Zumba community.
In a condolence message through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the farmer governor described the boat mishap as unfortunate, disheartening, and worrisome.
“I am concern over the recurring capsizing of boats in the riverine communities of Niger State, despite the numerous efforts put in by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies MDAs of both federal and state governments, including the N-HYPPADEC, to mitigate the negative trend,” he said.
The governor said his administration will, however, not be discouraged in sustaining its efforts to ensure safety in water transportation.
He explained that while the government, through the relevant MDAs, is implementing the government’s policies on safe water transportation, those in the riverine communities should endeavour to adhere to all the regulations for their safety.
He commended the management of NSEMA, local divers, and community volunteers who are helping with the search and rescue operations.
He specifically sympathized with the families of the victims and prayed that Allah will repose the souls of the deceased, as well as grant quick recovery to those injured.
…5 killed in Yola flood, 55 injured
In a related development, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Sunday confirmed five persons dead and 55 others injured as a result of flooding in parts of Yola town in Adamawa state.
NEMA’s head of operations in Yola, Ladan Ayuba, said the 55 injured were receiving treatment at the Modibbo Adama Teaching Hospital, Yola.
The early morning flood after a downpour in Yola and environs, submerged houses in some wards of the state capital.
Boats are currently being used to rescue people in areas such as Tashan Sani, Shagari Phase II, Sabon Pegi, Anguwan Tabo, Modire, Ummare, Yolde-Pate, Sanda Fadama II, and Ibnu Abbas.
Personnel of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Red Cross, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are collaborating with NEMA in an ongoing rescue mission.
Ali Adam, a resident of Yolde-Pate, thanked the officials for coming to their aid.
Adam said they had never experienced such a situation in the area and appealed to the state government for support.
He urged the government to take action against a company he claimed was mining in the area.
The resident said the flooding was not only caused by the rain but also by a dam constructed by the company.
Yakubu Musa, a resident of Modire, urged the state government to upgrade a major culvert in the area into a bridge to accommodate a large flow of water.
“There’s also the need to open some waterways blocked by some people engaged in rice farming in the area,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, many displaced persons are currently taking refuge in emergency camps and primary schools. (NAN)
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