The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the recovery of 32 additional bodies from the boat mishap that occurred on the River Niger, bringing the total number of fatalities to 54.
Justin Uwazuruonye, Head of Operations at NEMA’s Abuja office, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, highlighting the collaborative efforts of emergency responders in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
The tragic incident took place on Thursday, November 28, when a boat carrying around 200 traders from Niger and Kogi States capsized while en route to a weekly market in Katchia, Niger State.
The traders were heading to the market when the boat overturned on the river.
“As of today (Saturday), the number of bodies recovered by the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, the Red Cross, and NEMA stands at 54,” Uwazuruonye confirmed, adding that all recovered victims were found deceased.
Authorities continue to search for more victims as the nation mourns the devastating loss. The incident has raised concerns about waterway safety, especially for traders who frequently travel by boat to conduct business in rural communities.
(nationalupdate.ng)