On Friday, a boat carrying about 200 passengers capsized on the River Niger in northern Nigeria. Authorities confirmed that at least 27 people died, and more than 100, mostly women, are still missing. The boat was traveling from Kogi state to Niger state when the tragedy struck, said Ibrahim Audu, spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.
Search and Rescue Operations
By Friday evening, rescuers recovered 27 bodies. Local divers continued to search for others, according to Sandra Musa, spokeswoman for Kogi state emergency services. Unfortunately, after 12 hours, no survivors were found, she added.
Possible Cause of the Sinking
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the sinking. However, local media suggested the boat may have been overloaded. Overcrowding is common in rural areas of Nigeria, where poor road conditions often leave people with no choice but to travel by boat.
Challenges in Rescue Efforts
Justin Uwazuruonye, head of the National Emergency Management Agency in the state, explained that rescuers struggled to locate the capsized boat for hours. This delay hampered the search and rescue efforts.
Rising Concerns Over Boat Accidents
Boat accidents are increasingly concerning Nigerian authorities. These incidents are typically caused by overcrowding, poorly maintained boats, and a lack of life jackets. Despite efforts, authorities continue to face challenges in enforcing safety measures, largely due to the high cost and limited availability of life jackets.