At least 15 persons have died in a boat mishap in Tijana, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, while several others are still missing.

The boat mishap reportedly occurred at about 6:00pm on Saturday when the villagers were returning from a local market in Zumba, Shiroro local government area of the state.

Adamu Ahmed, Sarkin Kasuwan (head of the market) in Zumba, who confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, said the local boat was carrying over 60 people, including women and children when it capsized due to a heavy windstorm.

He said among the victims were some returnees who had earlier fled their homes with their children due to bandits’ attacks.

Ahmed said 17 people have been rescued alive through the efforts of local divers, who swung into action immediately after the incident was reported.

The local divers were said to have defied the heavy downpour to continue their rescue operation.