Thirteen people were reported dead by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) on Sunday following a boat capsize in the state’s Shiroro Local Government Area.
The agency reports that the incident took place on Saturday, July 26.
Additionally, 26 people were safely rescued from the tragedy, according to Malik Baba Suleiman, the NSEMA Deputy Public Relations Officer.
He claims that eight ladies, three men, and two children were among those killed in the tragic event; they have all been buried in accordance with Islamic customs.
Although the victims’ identities have not yet been made public, it is believed that the occurrence has caused the town to enter a state of mourning.
Around 11:45 a.m., while traveling to Zumba, the unfortunate boat, which was apparently overcrowded with cargo and people, capsized close to Guni village. Investigations are still ongoing, but it is thought that water turbulence and potential overloading caused the accident.
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Through NSEMA, the Niger State Government has cautioned river users to heed safety precautions and steer clear of crowded vessels, particularly during the rainy season when water levels fluctuate.
As a result of a cholera outbreak that has spread throughout six local government areas of Niger State, at least 13 people have reportedly died and over 236 others have been hospitalized.
After initially being discovered in Shiroro LGA on Sunday, the outbreak quickly spread to the local councils of Bosso, Minna, Magama, Bida, and Munya, alarming the local population and forcing the state government to act quickly.
According to reports, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, the state’s commissioner for primary healthcare, verified the discovery on Wednesday and stated that the administration has implemented a multi-sectoral strategy to stop the waterborne disease from spreading.
