Three more bodies of the victims of Monday boat accident in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have been recovered by local divers and officials of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.
The Director General of the agency, Abdullahi Baba Arah, who confirmed this to our correspondent said so far, eight bodies, comprising three men and five women had been recovered from the water.
While five bodies were reportedly recovered on Monday, scores were reported still missing.
Arah said the boat was carrying over 200 bags of assorted grains in addition to animals, sugar cane and human beings.
Our correspondent was told that an additional rescue team had been sent from the headquarters of the state Emergency Management Agency to join those on the ground to ensure the rescuing of the remaining victims.
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The boat conveying about 100 passengers mostly traders had taken off from Dugga Mashaya in Dugga ward, Borgu LGA of Niger State and was heading for Wara market in Kebbi State when it capsized around 2pm on Monday.
Reacting to the incident, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago decried the increasing loss of lives and properties through boat accidents in the state.
The governor in a condolence message through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, called on the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to rise up to their responsibilities to ensure that safety precautions in water transportation are observed in riverine communities to avert incessant boat accidents.
He noted that the incident in recent times were becoming one too many in the state, saying that all hands must be on deck to reverse the trend.
The governor sympathisized with the Emirate and residents of Borgu LGA of Niger State over the Monday incident, describing it as unfortunate and pathetic.
While praying Allah to repose the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured, the governor also prayed to Allah to comfort the families of the victims, the Emir of Borgu Kingdom and the people of the local government.
He commended the efforts of the officials of Borgu LGA and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for quickly engaging in rescue operations in collaboration with local divers.
