By YAHAYA ISAH

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) says 13 dead bodies have been recovered, while 26 people were rescued from the recent boat mishap in Gini village, in Shiroro Local Government Area.

This was contained in a statement by Alhaji Abdullahi Arah, the Director-General of the Agency, on Sunday, in Minna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occurred at about 11:45am on Saturday around Kwata, as the boat was heading to Zumba market.

According to the agency, the boat, which was fully-loaded with goods and passengers, capsized while conveying them to the weekly market.

“We have confirmed a boat mishap incident with 13 bodies recovered, while 26 were rescued, bringing the total number of people in the boat to 39.”

“Those that were recovered had since been buried, and among them were eight women, three men and two children,” he said.

Earlier, Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, NSENI’s Director of Information and Special Duties, confirmed in a statement that the boat driver and few passengers were rescued.

Hussaini said that one of victims was admitted at the General Hospital Kuta, and had been discharged.

NAN also reports that the Niger Government through NSEMA, National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission N-HYPPADEC and NIWA, have distributed life jackets to various riverine communities. (NAN)