A tragic boat accident on the Niger River in central Nigeria has claimed at least 27 lives, with over 100 passengers still missing, authorities have confirmed. The vessel, carrying approximately 200 people, was traveling from Kogi State to a food market in Niger State when it capsized late Thursday night.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
By Friday evening, rescuers had recovered 27 bodies, with local divers continuing to search for those still unaccounted for. The absence of life jackets among the victims exacerbated the death toll, according to Sandra Musa, spokesperson for the Kogi State emergency services.
“It’s not clear what caused the accident,” Musa said, noting potential factors like turbulence on the river and the age of the boat.
Efforts to locate the accident site were delayed for hours, complicating rescue operations, according to Justin Uwazuruonye, who leads Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency operations in the area.
Victims and Community Impact
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the victims as women, traders, and artisans engaged in legitimate business activities. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling on villagers and volunteers downstream to assist in locating the missing.
Ongoing Challenges with Waterway Safety
This incident is part of a recurring problem on Nigeria’s busy waterways, where mass drownings have become tragically common. Recent incidents include:
- October 2024: A boat carrying 300 passengers to a Muslim festival capsized in Niger State, with 100 feared dead.
- September 2024: An overloaded boat sank on the Gummi River in Zamfara State, killing over 40 farmers.
- June 2023: A riverboat with 250 passengers capsized in Kwara State, resulting in over 100 deaths.
Most accidents are linked to overcrowding, poorly maintained boats, and a lack of enforcement of safety regulations, particularly the use of life jackets.
Calls for Action
The recurring nature of these tragedies underscores the urgent need for stricter safety measures, regular boat maintenance, and the widespread provision of life jackets. Without these interventions, Nigeria’s waterways will remain a high-risk transportation option for many communities.
