Tragedy struck on Sunday in Mokwa area of Niger State, North Central Nigeria after a boat capsized.
The exact number of people onboard the boat and the cause of the accident are yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Speaking about the incident to newsmen, the Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, Jibrim Muregi, said rescue efforts are ongoing.
He confirmed that 21 dead bodies were recovered, adding that three community members of Gbajibo, Ekwa, and Yankeiade were also affected.
But the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Wasiu Abiodun, had a different casualty figure about the mishap.
He said available information at the police’s disposal suggests that 13 people died in the incident.
“Information received from the Gbajibo area of Mokwa indicated that a wooden boat conveying some passengers on board from Gbajibo water side heading to Tungan-Mango for farming activities capsized,” the police spokesman added.
“On receiving the report, DPO Mokwa Div mobilized police teams including marine police to the scene, in collaboration with local divers and so far thirteen persons confirmed dead as a search and rescue operation is ongoing. Further development will be made public.”
The latest incident comes three months after a boat carrying families returning from a wedding sank in a river in Kwara State, killing over 100 people on board.
