From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna.
No fewer than 33 corpses were recovered in a boat mishap that occurred between Dere in Niger and Murtala Bridge last week which was conveying about 100 passengers to Lokoja market from Katcha local government of Niger state.
Peoples daily gathered that it was pipeline patrol team boat that opened their light on the oncoming boat at around 4:35am leading to loss of control, thereby hitting an oncoming tree which was removed by the river that has over flown its banks due to the recent heavy rain falls which broke the boat into two.
Findings also revealed that the boat begun its journey from Katcha in Niger state while it was carrying passengers from different villages on their way to Lokoja market containing fishermen, business women and many children all without vests to protect them from been drawn.
About four people were rescued by the local rescuers while 5 persons escaped through swimming to the bank of the river thereby hanging themselves on the riverside trees to be rescued later.
It was also gathered that among the victims were people from Yawa and Baka in Lapai local government of Niger state state. It was also learnt that the boat was conveying about 100 persons, over 100 bags of rice, many baskets of fish and other valuables which indication revealed it was fill to capacity.
When contacted the Niger state police command Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Aboidun Gambari said when he gets to the office today he could avail Peoples Daily with details of the report on the mishap.
