A boat accident occurred early Friday along the Dambo-Ebuchi stretch of the River Niger, leaving dozens feared dead and many others missing.
Eyewitnesses report that the vessel, reportedly owned by Musa Dangana, was transporting more than 200 passengers, including market vendors and farm laborers, to the Katcha weekly market when it overturned, throwing everyone on board into the river.
Local divers have been leading the rescue efforts, and so far, eight bodies have been recovered. Search operations are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
This incident follows a similar tragedy on October 1, 2024, when a boat capsized on the Muwo Gbajibo River in Mokwa Local Government Area, also in Niger State, claiming numerous lives.
Preliminary findings suggest that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident, a factor believed to have worsened the fatalities.
While authorities have yet to issue an official statement, an investigation into the cause of the accident is anticipated.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available