A devastating boat accident occurred in the early hours of Friday along the Dambo-Ebuchi sections of River Niger, resulting in the loss of multiple lives.

According to eyewitnesses, the boat, which belonged to one Musa Dangana, was carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm laborers, en route to the Katcha weekly market.

Tragically, it capsized, throwing all on board into the water. Rescue efforts are currently underway, with local divers working to recover the bodies of the victims.

As of the latest reports, eight bodies have been recovered, while search and rescue operations continue to locate the remaining passengers.

This tragic incident comes just months after a similar boat accident occurred on the Muwo Gbajibo River in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State on October 1, 2024, resulting in the loss of many lives.

Preliminary reports indicate that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident, which may have contributed to the high number of casualties.

The authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident, but an investigation is expected to be launched to determine the cause of the accident.

Details later...