At least 30 people have been killed in a boat mishap that occurred along River Zumba in Shiroro local government area of Niger State.
A resident of the area, Suleman Zumba, told 21st CENTURY CHRONICLE that the incident happened Saturday evening when a wooden boat conveying people from a local market capsized on the river.
“The boat was over loaded with passengers and other items from a weekly local market in Zumba town to Lokon Tijja village, which is roughly two hours journey across the river,” Suleman said.
“About an hour ago, 30 bodies have been recovered from the river, while local divers are still searching for more.”
The Director General of Niger Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Inga, confirmed the incident, but said only 12 people were killed.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE recalled that similar incident happened along the same river last year, claiming scores of lives.