A boat mishap in Niger State has left at least 169 passengers feared dead, with only 31 rescued. The incident involved a wooden boat carrying around 200 people to a Maulid celebration. The Kwara State government is coordinating rescue efforts while the community mourns the tragic loss.
A devastating boat accident occurred in Gwajibo village, Niger State, resulting in fears that at least 169 individuals from the Gwajibo Mudi community in Kwara State have lost their lives. Reports indicate that approximately 200 passengers were aboard the ill-fated vessel, with only 31 individuals successfully rescued so far.
In response to this tragedy, the Kwara State government has dispatched a high-level delegation, led by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, to offer condolences to the bereaved families. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed his shock and sadness over the incident, which involved many women and children traveling to the Maulid celebration at Gbajibo village.
The boat reportedly capsized after colliding with a submerged tree, which was caused by rising water levels in the River Niger. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Authorities, including the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), are working alongside the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy and coordinate ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Local officials confirmed that, as of yesterday, 70 bodies had been recovered, but many remain missing. It’s important to note that this is not the first such incident in the area, with previous accidents raising concerns about compliance with safety regulations, such as the mandatory use of life jackets for passengers.
