In a harrowing incident, a wooden passenger boat was engulfed in flames shortly after departing from Katcha community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
The devastating event occurred on Friday, resulting in the reported disappearance of three individuals.
According to an eyewitness report, the incident occurred at approximately 6 pm on Tuesday. The boat had just completed loading goods and passengers who were heading back to their villages after the weekly Katcha market day.
It was during this time that disaster struck as the boat’s engine caught fire, instigating a chaotic scramble for safety among the passengers.
Local divers stationed at the boat dock bravely assisted in evacuating some of the victims and swiftly maneuvered the burning boat away from others, preventing further catastrophe.
The ill-fated boat had been ferrying passengers to destinations including Zakanti, Danbo, and other riverine communities situated in Katcha and Agaie Local Government Areas of Niger State.
This incident bears semblance to a similar tragedy that occurred just two months prior in September when 30 lives were lost in a boat mishap in Gbajibo community in Mokwa local council.
