A devastating boat accident on the River Niger in Nigeria has claimed at least 54 lives, with dozens still missing. The boat, which was reportedly carrying over 200 passengers, capsized in the early hours of Friday while traveling from Kogi state to a weekly market in neighboring Niger state. Authorities confirmed that 24 survivors were rescued, though some remain in hospital, and hopes are diminishing for finding more survivors as divers continue their search.
The boat was reportedly carrying market traders and farm laborers, but the exact number of passengers remains unclear. Due to the lack of a passenger manifest, it is difficult for officials to provide an accurate account of the victims, according to Justin Uche, head of the Kogi state office of the National Emergency Management Agency. Additionally, early reports suggest that many of the passengers may not have been wearing life jackets, a critical safety requirement.
This tragic incident is part of a larger pattern of boat accidents in Nigeria’s inland waterways. Despite repeated safety recommendations, regulations are often ignored, and accountability is lacking. This is the third fatal boat accident in the country within the past two months. In a similar incident last month, a wooden dugout canoe carrying nearly 300 people capsized in the River Niger, resulting in nearly 200 deaths.
Kogi state’s governor, Usman Ododo, has ordered hospitals treating survivors to provide necessary care, including food. He also called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent further tragedies. The repeated boat accidents underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and accountability on Nigeria’s waterways.
