Overloaded Boat Capsizes in Niger State
Tragedy struck in Niger State on Wednesday after an overloaded passenger boat capsized in the Borgu area, leaving people confirmed dead and dozens more missing. The ill-fated wooden boat was carrying about 90 passengers across a river when it reportedly hit a submerged tree trunk, causing it to overturn. According to local officials, 50 passengers were rescued alive, while search and rescue teams are still combing the river for others who remain unaccounted for.
Authorities Cite Overloading and Safety Neglect
Eyewitnesses said the boat was heavily overloaded with passengers and goods at the time of the incident, a common occurrence during the rainy season when waterways are the main means of transport for rural communities.
“We have recovered 31 bodies so far. Our divers and local fishermen are assisting to find more victims,” said Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, the chairman of the Borgu Local Government Area.
Officials highlighted that most passengers were not wearing life jackets, underscoring a recurring problem in Nigeria’s inland water transport system.
Recurring Boat Accidents in Nigeria
Boat mishaps are unfortunately frequent in riverine communities across Nigeria, especially in states like Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto. Factors such as poor regulation, lack of safety enforcement, and bad weather contribute to the high number of casualties each year.
Earlier this year, more than 40 people died in a similar accident in Kebbi State. Safety advocates are calling on the government to enforce strict loading limits and provide life-saving equipment at major river crossings.
Government and Community Response
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has deployed response teams and promised to support the victims’ families.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago expressed condolences, calling the tragedy “a preventable disaster” and vowing to work with maritime authorities to strengthen safety regulations on the state’s waterways.
Community leaders in Borgu are also urging residents to avoid night travel and insist on safety gear before boarding boats.
