At least 60 people have died in a tragic boat accident in Niger State, north-central Nigeria. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning. According to local authorities, the vessel was carrying over a hundred passengers, and many are still reported missing. Rescue operations are ongoing.
The accident happened when the boat, traveling from Tungan Sule to Dugga village, struck a submerged tree trunk and capsized. Baba Ara, a Niger government official, confirmed that 60 deaths have so far been confirmed, and at least 10 people were rescued in critical condition.
Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, head of Shagamu district, said, “The boat was carrying more than 100 passengers. We have so far recovered 31 bodies, most of whom were women and children.” He added that some victims were buried according to Islamic rites immediately after the incident.
According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, 29 deaths have been officially confirmed, 50 people were rescued alive, and at least two remain missing. The agency cited overcrowding and the collision with the submerged tree as the primary causes of the tragedy.
Boat accidents are common in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season. Experts attribute such incidents to non-compliance with safety regulations, overcrowding, and the use of dilapidated vessels. They stress the urgent need for stricter supervision and public awareness campaigns to prevent such tragedies.
So far, the Nigerian government has not issued an official national statement regarding the incident.
Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera