Jude Diugwu
The National Inland Waterways, NIWA, has confirmed that no fewer than 200 passengers from Kogi State were involved in a boat mishap.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Head of Media Department of NIWA, Suleman Makama said the Market women from Kogi were travelling to a Niger state Market for their usual trade, when the boat capsized along the Dambo-Ebuchi sections of River Niger, as number of deaths yet to be known.
“Yes, It’s true that there was a boat mishap on Thursday involving quite a number of women going to the market in Niger state,we are still investigating to ascertain the number of people involved as well as what led to the accident.” He added.
Meanwhile eyewitnesses account said the boat, which belonged to one Musa Dangana, was carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm labourers, en route to the Katcha weekly market in Niger State.
As of the time of this report, eight bodies were said to have been recovered, while search and rescue operations continue to locate the remaining passengers.
Makama further said he is still waiting for clearance from the management before he will issue an official statement where details of the incident would be provided.
He said he can’t give a specific time frame but promised to get back to our correspondent as soon as possible.
