Nigerian Boat Capsizes on Niger River: At Least 27 Dead, Dozens Missing
A tragic boat accident on Friday in Kogi State, Nigeria, claimed at least 27 lives, with many passengers still missing, according to officials. The incident occurred on the Niger River near Dambo, a section of the waterway stretching over 600 meters wide, highlighting ongoing safety issues on Nigeria’s busy but poorly regulated waterways.
Sandra Musa, from the state emergency management agency, confirmed that 27 bodies had been recovered. However, the exact number of passengers remains unknown as records of travelers are rarely kept. “Search and rescue operations are ongoing,” Musa said, adding that turbulence or a collision might have caused the accident. The age and condition of the boat, possibly exceeding its typical lifespan of 10 years, could also have been a factor.
The Kogi State Red Cross reported that the vessel may have been carrying more than 50 people, most of whom were women, petty traders, and artisans traveling for economic purposes. None of the recovered bodies were found wearing life jackets, reflecting the widespread absence of basic safety measures.
Local villagers and volunteers downstream have been urged to remain vigilant for potential survivors or additional bodies.
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed deep sorrow over the incident. His office called on private boat operators and authorities to enforce stricter safety protocols, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms to prevent future tragedies.
This disaster is the latest in a series of deadly boat accidents in Nigeria. Just last month, nearly 100 people were feared dead after a boat carrying 300 passengers to a Muslim festival capsized in Niger State. In September, over 40 farmers lost their lives when an overloaded boat sank on the Gummi River in Zamfara State. Earlier in June, a boat accident in Kwara State claimed more than 100 lives, marking one of the country’s worst waterway tragedies in years.
These recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for improved safety regulations on Nigeria’s waterways to protect the lives of those who rely on these routes for their livelihoods.
