Dozens Feared Dead After Boat Capsizes on River Niger

Rescue operations are ongoing in Nigeria following a devastating boat capsizing that claimed the lives of at least 27 individuals, with more than 100 others unaccounted for. The boat was ferrying around 200 passengers from Kogi state to Niger state when it tragically sank in the River Niger. Eyewitnesses and authorities noted that most passengers were women, as they headed to a food market. Ibrahim Audu, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the casualty figures, stating that divers have been deployed to locate additional survivors.

Rescue teams have recovered 27 bodies thus far, with ongoing searches expected to continue. The cause of the capsizing remains undetermined, but there are strong suspicions of overloading as a contributing factor, a common issue in Nigeria’s remote regions due to poor infrastructure and limited transportation options. Incidents of overcrowding and inadequate boat maintenance have plagued the Nigerian waterways for years, compounded by lax enforcement of safety measures such as life jacket use, which is often hindered by availability and affordability issues.

Justin Uwazuruonye, leading the National Emergency Management Agency's operations in the affected area, expressed concerns over the delayed search efforts and the difficulties in locating the vessel post-incident. This latest maritime tragedy has amplified worries among the public and authorities alike, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory reforms and improved safety protocols in Nigeria's water transport system. As the recovery efforts proceed, the focus remains on locating the missing individuals and addressing the systemic issues that lead to such disasters.