UAE Condoles Nigeria Over Niger Boat Accident

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed condolences to the Federal Government of Nigeria following the recent boat accident in Niger State that left dozens dead and several others injured.

In a statement issued on Friday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed sympathy to the families of the victims and wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery.

The tragic incident occurred on September 2 in Gausawa community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, when a boat carrying about 90 passengers capsized. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that 58 people were rescued, while more than 30 bodies have been recovered. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate others still missing.

NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, directed the Minna Operations Office to intensify search and rescue efforts and provide support to the affected families. The agency attributed the cause of the accident to overloading and a collision with a tree stump.

The UAE’s message of solidarity underscores the strong bilateral ties between both countries and international concern over recurring boat mishaps in Nigeria’s inland waterways.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola