A tragic incident occurred in southwestern Nigeria (Kwara State) where a boat carrying over 300 passengers capsized on the River Niger, resulting in more than 100 deaths and several people still missing.
The passengers were traveling from Kwara state to Niger state after attending a wedding. Authorities are actively engaged in search and rescue operations to locate the missing individuals.
Police reported that the boat capsized after a section of the vessel collapsed, causing it to flood. The exact number of confirmed deaths remains uncertain, with conflicting reports. Kwara state police stated that 106 people had died and approximately 144 were rescued from the river. A significant proportion of the deceased came from the village of Ebu, with an additional 38 from nearby Dzakan village. The Emir of Patigi, Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, initially feared that over 150 people had drowned.
Survivors shared harrowing accounts of the incident. Mohammed Alhassan recounted that many women lost their lives while attempting to save their children. His sister survived, but tragically, her 7-year-old son did not. Aisha Mohammed, another survivor, mourned the loss of her three adult daughters, who were soon to be married. The entire community was deeply saddened by the event, according to Mohammed Sallihu, a relative of one of the victims.
The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. Local police attributed it to a collapse within the vessel, leading to flooding and subsequent capsizing. However, the Emir of Patigi suggested that river waves overwhelmed the boat, causing it to collide with a tree that had washed into the river, resulting in the capsizing.
River accidents are unfortunately common in this part of Nigeria. Residents of villages along the River Niger frequently rely on it for transportation as it can be faster than poorly maintained and dangerous roads, often plagued by kidnapping gangs. However, boat operators often overload their precarious vessels in an attempt to maximize profits.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that search and rescue efforts were ongoing. During his visit to the affected villages, he pledged to provide one thousand life jackets to initiate a safety education program and stated that discussions had begun with the National Inland Waterways Authority to strengthen safety regulations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria expressed his deep sadness over the tragic accident, particularly noting that the victims were guests at a wedding ceremony. River accidents continue to pose a significant risk in the region, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures and enforcement of regulations to prevent further loss of life.
Source – bbc.com
