Eight Bodies Recovered As Boat Transporting 200 Persons Capsize In Niger

A tragic boat accident occurred on the Dambo-Ebuchi section of River Niger in the early hours of Friday, claiming the lives of multiple passengers.

The boat, which belonged to one Musa Dangana, was reportedly carrying over 200 people, including market women and farm laborers, who were en route to the Katcha weekly market. According to reports, the boat capsized, sending all passengers into the water.

Rescue teams, including local divers, were quickly mobilized to recover the bodies of the victims. As of the latest reports, eight bodies have been recovered, and search operations continue to locate the remaining passengers. Early investigations suggest that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets, which could have played a significant role in the high number of casualties.

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This incident follows a similar boat tragedy that occurred earlier this year on October 1, 2024, on the Muwo Gbajibo River in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, where many lives were also lost.

While the authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding Friday’s accident, local residents and the public have expressed shock and sorrow over the growing number of fatal boat accidents in the region. Investigations are expected to follow to determine the cause of the capsizing and to address safety concerns for passengers using the waterways.