Niger State has laid to rest 10 victims, including eight children, of the tragic boat accident that occurred last Thursday.

The bodies were interred in accordance with Islamic rites, with images shared by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) revealing a mass grave for the minors.

The ill-fated boat, carrying a total of 34 individuals, including 10 children, capsized during a journey from Zangoro Bassa/Kukoki Ward terminal to Gijiwa/Kato Ward terminal in the Shiroro Local Government Area.

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NSEMA provided an update on Monday, attributing the boat’s capsize to a combination of water hyacinth, strong waves, and grafting trees.

The victims, primarily traders transporting goods from the Zongoru community of Bassa Ward to Gijiwa for the Friday market in Kuta, faced the tragic incident.

Salihu Garba, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at NSEMA, listed the names of the deceased, which included Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Abubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim, Rafiya Yakubu, and two unidentified victims.

The boat had six drivers, all of whom were identified.

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Survivors of the accident were also named, hailing from the Zangoro community in Bassa Ward.

The tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by individuals relying on water transport in the region and the need for enhanced safety measures.