A devastating boat accident on the River Niger has left more than 130 people missing and at least 16 confirmed dead. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, October 1, 2024, at about 8:30 p.m. near Gbajibo village in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. A boat carrying approximately 300 passengers capsized, sparking a large-scale rescue operation.
Local authorities have confirmed that 150 passengers were rescued alive, thanks to the swift intervention of local divers and volunteers. However, the search continues for the remaining 134 missing individuals.
Overloaded Boat on a Dangerous Night Journey
The ill-fated boat was reportedly overloaded and traveling at night, a combination that tragically ended in disaster. Passengers aboard the vessel were returning from celebrating Maulud Nabiyyi, an Islamic religious festival, in the village of Gbajibo, when the boat overturned.
Abdullahi Baba Arah, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), attributed the accident to overloading and night travel. “This tragic incident appears to have been caused by overloading, and it happened during a night journey, which increases the risks involved,” he said.
Rescue Efforts in Full Swing
Rescue operations commenced immediately, with the assistance of local divers, community volunteers, and state authorities. Baba Arah explained that the quick response from the community played a vital role in saving over 150 lives.
“Thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers, we have rescued over 150 people alive so far,” he stated. “The search and rescue operation is still ongoing to locate more survivors.”
The NSEMA is coordinating the operation in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, and various other organizations. Despite the large number of passengers saved, the ongoing rescue mission remains critical as the search for the missing intensifies.
Community in Shock
The accident has sent shockwaves throughout the local community and beyond. Most of the passengers on the boat were reportedly from Kwara State, and their families are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
In response, the Kwara State government has sent a high-level delegation, led by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, to commiserate with the families of the victims. The state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident.
In a statement, the governor said, “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic boat mishap involving at least 200 people from Gwajibo Mudi community in Kaiama Local Government Area. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this painful time.”
Recurring Tragedies on Nigerian Waterways
Unfortunately, this accident is the latest in a series of deadly incidents on Nigeria’s waterways, many of which have been caused by similar factors like overloading, poor vessel maintenance, and night travel.
Just a few weeks ago, another boat capsized in Gummi, Zamfara State, killing several passengers. The dangers posed by Nigeria’s waterways are increasingly concerning to both authorities and the public.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has long warned against night travel on boats, emphasizing the need for better regulations and enforcement to prevent further loss of life. However, such tragedies continue to occur.
“We Must Follow the Rules,” Says NSEMA
As investigations into the cause of this latest disaster continue, NSEMA officials are urging greater adherence to safety rules and regulations when traveling on waterways.
Ibrahim Hussaini, the Public Relations Officer of NSEMA, stressed the importance of obeying safety guidelines. “We must follow the rules,” he said. “Overloading boats, traveling at night, and ignoring basic safety protocols can lead to these kinds of devastating outcomes.”
Hussaini also commended the local divers and volunteers for their tireless efforts in the ongoing rescue operations, acknowledging the critical role they played in saving lives.
Government Pledges Assistance
In response to the tragedy, Niger State and federal authorities have pledged to support rescue and recovery efforts. The Niger State government, through NSEMA, is coordinating with local bodies to ensure that every possible resource is mobilized.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency has been closely working with the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, community leaders, and volunteers to ensure a coordinated response.
The N-Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has also joined the efforts. Officials have been dispatched from Bida to Mokwa to assist in the rescue, and the Managing Director of the commission, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, is expected to assess the situation personally.
Preventable Tragedy?
Many are asking if this disaster could have been prevented. Overloading and night travel are well-known hazards, and regulations already exist to prevent such occurrences. However, the enforcement of these rules remains a major challenge.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has repeatedly emphasized the dangers of night travel, which is illegal on Nigerian waterways. However, these rules are often ignored, particularly in rural areas where enforcement is weak.