A vessel carrying approximately 200 passengers to a food market capsized on Friday along the River Niger in northern Nigeria, as reported by officials. At least 27 individuals have been confirmed deceased, with over 100 others, predominantly women, reported missing.
The boat was en route from Kogi State to the adjacent Niger State when the incident occurred, according to Ibrahim Audu, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, in a statement to The Associated Press.
By Friday evening, rescuers had recovered 27 bodies from the river, while divers continued their search for additional victims, as stated by Sandra Musa, spokesperson for Kogi State emergency services.
Twelve hours following the incident, no survivors had been located, she noted.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the capsizing, although local media reports indicate that the vessel may have been overloaded. Overcrowding on boats is a frequent issue in Nigeria’s remote areas, where inadequate road infrastructure leaves many with limited transportation options.
Justin Uwazuruonye, who oversees operations for Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency in the state, mentioned that rescuers faced challenges in locating the capsized boat for several hours after the tragedy unfolded.
Such fatal incidents are increasingly alarming in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, as authorities grapple with enforcing safety protocols and regulations for water transport.
Most accidents are attributed to overcrowding and insufficient maintenance of the vessels, which are often constructed locally to maximize passenger capacity, disregarding safety standards.
Furthermore, authorities have struggled to mandate the use of life jackets during these journeys, often due to issues related to availability or cost.
