Majority of Victims are Women and Children in Mokwa Tragedy

NIGERIA: A Devastating incident unfolded in Nigeria on Sunday when a boat capsized, leading to the loss of at least 26 lives, with numerous individuals still missing in the aftermath. Reports indicate that the majority of the deceased are women and children who met their untimely fate while aboard a boat in Mokwa, located in Niger state, Nigeria.

According to Zainab Sulaiman, the regional head of Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency, the ill-fated boat was carrying over 100 passengers, and concerns linger over the possibility of the death toll rising further. Sulaiman disclosed that thus far, 24 bodies have been recovered from the scene, while a total of 30 individuals were rescued during the ongoing search and rescue operation.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that the boat was ferrying over 100 people, hailing from the Gbajibo, Ekwa, and Yankyade communities, situated along the River Niger (Old Gbajibo). The passengers were en route to their farmlands on the opposite bank of the river when the tragic incident occurred. As per the reports, rescue efforts are underway.