The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has stated that it has recovered six more bodies from the river in the Gbajibo community, after the October 1 boat crash, News About Nigeria reports.
The Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
He noted that the figure brings the total number of recovered bodies to 42, adding that rescue and search operations are still going on to recover more victims.
Recall that more than 150 passengers were declared missing on Tuesday after a wooden canoe carrying over 300 people capsized in the river in the Gbajibo community.
The boat was said to be carrying more women and children and was conveying the passengers to celebrate the Maulud in the Gbajibo community in the state.
He also stated that the agency is collaborating with other ministries and groups, including the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, and brave local divers.
NSEMA, however, noted that more updates will be shared with the public as the search progresses.
He stated, “From 6 pm yesterday to 10 am this morning, 6 more dead bodies were recovered, bringing the total to 42 corpses.
“The boat was sailing from Mundi Community with a population of almost 300 passengers, comprising mostly women and children, for the Maulud celebration at Gbajibo.
“NSEMA is directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and other community volunteers.
“The search and rescue operation is still ongoing to locate more survivors, and the general public will be provided with the update.”
