Another boat mishap has claimed 18 lives in Kokoli in Borugu Local Government Area of Niger state.

The mishap occurred at about 4pm when a commercial boat conveying about 80 traders back from the weekly market in Kokoli to Ulakami split into two and capsized on River Niger.

The boat which was alleged to be very old and rickety was said to have split into two midway of the 10 kilometre journey leading to the drowning and subsequent death of 18 passengers.

An official of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Mohammed Shaba, confirmed the latest accident on Saturday.

This is coming barely six days after a boat mishap on River Niger claimed 26 lives in Malali village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, and 100 others were said to be missing, following a boat mishap yesterday in Malili village in Borgu local government area of Niger state on Friday September 27.

Ibrahim Hussaini, the Public Relation officer of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) told Channels Television that the incident occurred as the passengers mainly traders were returning from Malili to their village Tunga Illo across the River Niger, after a market day.

The boat believed to be carrying over 150 passengers, capsized mid-way into the journey.

Mr Hussaini said swimmers from Malili village swung into action immediately they heard about the mishap and they were able to retrieve 42 bodies from the river.

Read more: ChannelsTV News