Seven people, including children, have reportedly lost their lives in Zhigiri village of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State after a boat capsized.
This was confirmed in a statement signed by the Spokesperson for the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, Salis Sabo on Tuesday.
The mishap took place when the villagers were heading to a neighbouring village for a naming ceremony around 4pm on Monday.
Among the victims who lost their lives, was a man, two of his wives, and his young son.
The association blamed the mishap on the ongoing construction of a dam.
“This is one of the social upheaval occasioned by the construction of the dam,” it said.
Sabo stated that before the construction of Zungeru Dam, traveling between these two villages was by land.
He added that there was no need to travel by water, as the land was majorly dry and motorable.
“We, therefore, call on HYPPADEC to as matter of urgency, respond to this devastating incident and provide safety measures such as life jackets among others to help our people adapt to their new way of life and to also prevent the future occurrence of this ugly incident as done by the commission to the Warra Community of Kebbi State in the recent boat mishap that occurred,” Sabo added.
