A boat capsized in the River Niger early Friday, claiming several lives. The boat, carrying over 200 passengers, was en route to Katcha market when it overturned. Eight bodies have been recovered, and rescue operations continue. This tragic incident follows several similar accidents in Nigeria’s waterways.
A tragic boat accident occurred early Friday morning along the River Niger in Niger State, resulting in significant loss of life. The boat, carrying over 200 passengers—including market women and farm laborers—capsized while en route to the Katcha weekly market. Eyewitnesses described the chaos as the vessel overturned, throwing everyone aboard into the water. Rescue teams, including local divers, are working tirelessly to recover the victims.
As of now, eight bodies have been recovered, with efforts continuing to locate the remaining passengers. Preliminary reports indicate that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets, which likely contributed to the high death toll. Local authorities have not yet provided an official statement, but an investigation is expected to take place to determine the cause of the accident.
This boat mishap is the latest in a series of tragic incidents on Niger State's waterways. Just two months earlier, a similar disaster occurred on the Muwo Gbajibo River in Mokwa Local Government Area, which also resulted in numerous fatalities. Despite regulations prohibiting night-time travel and efforts to curb overloading, these incidents highlight the persistent dangers posed by overcrowded and unregulated vessels on the river.
The Nigerian government has yet to release an official statement regarding this particular incident, but it is expected that further updates will be provided as search efforts continue.
