Niger River Boat Tragedy Claims 32 Lives
(MENAFN) The death toll from the capsizing of a passenger boat on the Niger River has risen to 32, with recovery efforts continuing, according to officials on Friday. The incident occurred earlier this week in central Nigeria’s Niger State, and the bodies of 30 victims have been recovered, with two more still missing. A total of 58 survivors have been rescued, local authorities confirmed.
The boat, which was overloaded and reportedly struck a tree stump, was carrying passengers who were en route to a condolence visit in the Gausawa community of Borgu Local Government Area when the tragedy unfolded on Tuesday.
Mohammed Idris, Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation, expressed deep sorrow over the disaster, offering condolences “with a heavy heart” in a statement posted on social media platform X. This marks the first official response from the government since the tragedy.
Idris also pointed out that the incident comes just months after devastating floods ravaged Niger State. He confirmed that the federal government, via the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), would collaborate with the state authorities to offer support to the victims' families and survivors.
“The federal government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), will provide the necessary support to the victims' families and survivors, working closely with the Niger State government to ensure prompt relief and assistance,” Idris said in his statement.
Earlier on Friday, a NEMA spokesperson told media that search efforts were still underway. The agency confirmed that the boat had been carrying around 90 passengers at the time of the incident. Preliminary investigations suggest that the boat was overloaded, and local authorities believe it collided with a tree stump, leading to its overturn.
Idris praised the swift response of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, which led the rescue efforts following the disaster.
In response to the tragedy, the minister called on Nigerians to take essential safety precautions when traveling on inland waterways, particularly highlighting the need to wear life jackets. He underscored that individuals should never embark on boat journeys without proper safety gear.
Furthermore, the Nigerian government has directed the National Orientation Agency to launch a nationwide awareness campaign, aimed at educating the public on safety protocols when using boats on inland waterways.
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