Tragedy on the River Niger: Over 50 Lives Lost in Boat Capsizing

The River Niger has once again witnessed tragedy as a boat, believed to have been carrying over 200 passengers, capsized in the early hours of Friday. Authorities have confirmed the recovery of at least 54 bodies, while 24 survivors, some requiring hospitalization, have been rescued. The search for additional missing persons continues, but hope diminishes as divers scour the waters.

This incident marks another grim chapter in Nigeria's ongoing struggle with boating accidents on its inland waterways, where safety protocols are frequently ignored. The ill-fated vessel was en route from Kogi state to a nearby Niger state market, often frequented by traders and farm workers. The cause of the capsizing remains unclear, but reports suggest that many passengers were not wearing mandatory life jackets. Justin Uche, head of the Kogi state office of the National Emergency Management Agency, highlighted complications in determining the exact number of passengers onboard, as there was no official manifest recorded.

In response to the tragedy, Kogi state Governor Usman Ododo has mandated that all medical facilities housing the survivors provide adequate care, including food. He has also urged the enforcement of stricter safety regulations to prevent future accidents. This disaster is the third fatal boating incident in Nigeria in a mere two months, following recent events that claimed numerous lives.