The number of people that died in the recent boat mishap in Niger state has risen to 54.
Gatekeepers News reports that Justin Uwazuruonye, Kogi head of operations at National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed this on Saturday.
According to reports; the boat conveying over 200 people from Kogi, capsized in the early hours of Friday, along Dambo-Ebuchi section of River Niger.
Most of the people on the boat were female traders heading for Katcha market in Niger state.
The head of operations said the boat had no manifest.
He said, “The figure of the recovered bodies as of today (Saturday), according to the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, and NEMA is 54. They were recovered dead.”
“Besides, it was a night journey, and none of them had life jackets on.”
Acting on the tragic incident, Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi state called for more safety measures on the country’s waterways.
In a statement released by Ismaila Isah, his special adviser on media, Ododo said the waterways have become increasingly dangerous.
He urged relevant authorities to ensure that safety measures are in place to reduce risks associated with water transportation.
