By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Secretary of Red Cross, Kebbi State branch, Ibrahim Ngaski, has explained the risks involved in overloading passengers on a boat.
Ngaski was responding to the boat accident that was conveying about 200 persons, mostly artisans, miners and traders from Niger State, to Warra in Kebbi State.
The boat capsized on Wednesday, with about 150 of the passengers said to have drowned.
It was gathered that the accident in Tsohuwan Labata village, Ngaski local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Ngaski said, “Majority of the passengers were artisans, miners and traders, who were returning from Niger State to Kebbi State. Information indicated that only one corpse was recovered, while a rescue mission is ongoing.”
While explaining the risks involved in overloading, he said, “The absence of rescue equipment is the major impediment to the rescue operation. The information at hand said the boat was conveying about 200 people. We are waiting to hear from our men, who have since joined the rescue team. So far, only one body has been recovered.”
Meanwhile, the Punch reports that the Sarkin Samari of Warra, Adamu Umar Warra, who confirmed the accident said, “Almost every single household in the village has its member in the ill-fated boat. The boat was carrying over 150 persons and capsized in the deepest part of the River Niger.
“So far, only four dead bodies have been recovered, while 18 persons have been rescued and rushed to hospital for medical attention.
“The four corpses recovered are two males and two females, and a rescue mission is on course up to this moment.”