A tragic boat accident occurred early Friday morning on the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger, claiming multiple lives.
The vessel, carrying over 200 passengers, capsized en route to the Katcha weekly market, where market women and farm laborers were traveling.
Eyewitnesses identified the boat’s owner as Musa Dangana. The tragedy unfolded when the boat capsized, throwing all its passengers into the river.
Local divers have recovered eight bodies so far, and search efforts are still underway to locate the remaining victims.
Rescue teams report that none of the passengers were equipped with life jackets, a factor believed to have worsened the casualties.
Authorities and rescue agencies have called for stricter safety measures to prevent future occurrences, emphasizing the urgent need for life-saving precautions such as mandatory life jackets and improved boat safety standards.
