Many feared dead, over 100 rescued after boat capsizes in Niger

A boat carrying an estimated 200 passengers capsized in Niger State, Nigeria, on Tuesday night, leaving many feared dead.

The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. as the vessel travelled from Mundi Village to Gbajibo Village in Mokwa Local Council following a local market day.

The Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management confirmed the accident, expressing shock and sadness at the tragic event.

A joint operation involving the Ministry, the Ministry of Transport, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is underway to investigate the cause of the capsize and coordinate rescue efforts.

NIWA has reported rescuing over 100 passengers from the river, but many remain unaccounted for.

Preliminary findings suggest that overloading may have contributed to the disaster. The boat was reportedly carrying passengers beyond its safe capacity.

“This incident is a stark reminder that flouting safety rules puts lives at risk,” NIWA stated, warning boat operators to adhere to safety regulations.

Night travel and boat overloading, both common practices, are being blamed for contributing to accidents on Nigeria’s waterways.

This is the second such incident to occur in the same village recently, raising concerns about the safety of river transport in the area.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management urged residents in riverine areas to avoid travelling at night, overloading boats, and using unsafe vessels. They also stressed the importance of wearing life jackets as a preventative measure.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities hopeful that more survivors will be found.

NIWA has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways and plans to increase safety awareness initiatives and regulation enforcement.

The Ministry offered its condolences to the people of Gbajibo village and the Niger State government, calling the accident “unfortunate and avoidable.”