9 Bodies Recovered From Niger Boat Mishap – NSEMA

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has said that nine bodies were recovered from a boat mishap that occurred in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state. The Head of Relief and Rehabilitation in NSEMA, Alhaji Salihu Garba, disclosed this in an interview in Minna. Ten persons were confirmed dead in a boat mishap that occurred on Thursday, November 16. The victims, mostly traders, were reportedly conveying goods from Zongoru Community of Bassa Ward to Gijiwa, ahead of Friday market in Kuta, headquarters of Shiroro LGA, when the tragic incident happened. At least 34 persons were said to be on board of which 10 allegedly lost their lives, while 22 were reportedly rescued by local divers. Garba gave the names of the deceased to include Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Bubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim and Rafiya Yakubu. He said that the agency had yet to identify two of the deceased persons, adding that all the deceased were from Zangoro. He further said that there were 24 males and female adults and 10 male and female children in the boat when it capized. Garba also said that a search operation was ongoing to recover the remaining bodies. 

36 Military officers lost in tragic incident in Niger State -DHQ

In a heartbreaking announcement, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that 36 military officers lost their lives in Niger State. Speaking during the biweekly briefing of the Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, provided a somber breakdown of the casualties stemming from two separate incidents: an ambush on troops and a tragic helicopter crash that occurred on August 14, 2023. Responding to inquiries about the helicopter crash’s cause, Major General Buba reiterated that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to ascertain the factors behind the incident. He also emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant against terrorist propaganda and staying steadfast in one’s patriotic commitment. According to him, the tragedy unfolded when insurgents ambushed troops in the Zungeru area of Niger State, resulting in the ultimate sacrifice paid by valiant members of the Nigerian Army. Additionally, in a separate incident, a Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter, en route for a casualty evacuation mission, tragically crashed in the Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.