A boat accident has been reported along the Dambo-Ebuchi sections of River Niger, resulting in the loss of multiple lives.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Friday according to local reports
It was reported that the boat belonging to Musa Dangana, a native, carried over 200 passengers, including market women and farm labourers to the Katcha weekly market.
All passengers were, however, said to have been thrown overboard when the boat capsized.
Sources say efforts are currently underway to recover the bodies of the victims while local divers also search for survivors.
Reports say eight bodies have already been recovered, while search and rescue operations continue.
This comes barely a few 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.