Nigeria: 33 `Die in River Niger Boat Mishap

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Minna — 33 persons said to be traders died in a boat mishap along the River Niger last week, Daily Trust learnt yesterday. Nine others were said to have been rescued by the locals along the river bank.

The boat that was carrying about 100 passengers travelling to a market in Lokoja, Kogi State from Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

It was gathered that all the corpses of the victims were recovered. The boat was said to have capsized when a pipeline patrol team boat beamed its light on the it, affecting the sight of the driver. The boat then hit a moving trunk of a tree that was uprooted by its impact and the fast moving water.


It was also gathered that the boat which took off from Katcha way picked passengers from villages along the river bank. The passengers included, fishermen, business women and children.

Among the victims were people from Yawa and Baka in Lapai LGA of Niger State. It was fully loaded with 100 bags of rice, baskets of fish and other valuables.

Police spokesperson, ASP Aboidun Gambari confirmed the incident but said it occured outside Niger State.