Dozens Feared Dead as Boat Capsizes in North-Central Nigeria
By Chronicles Nyakato
Tragedy struck in north-central Nigeria after a boat ferrying more than 300 passengers on the River Niger capsized late Tuesday night, leaving dozens feared dead.
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The boat, carrying mostly women and children, was en route to celebrate the Muslim festival of Mawlid when it overturned, officials have confirmed.
According to Abdullahi Baba Arah, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), around 60 bodies have been recovered from the scene, with efforts to find more victims ongoing.
Local council chairman Abdullahi Muregi, who spoke to Nigerian media, expressed deep concern over the rising death toll.
Rescue operations have been underway since the incident, with approximately 150 passengers pulled from the water alive.
However, authorities fear that many more passengers remain unaccounted for. The cause of the boat's capsizing remains unclear, but overcrowding has been suggested as a possible factor.
The passengers, mostly women and children, were traveling to celebrate Mawlid, a religious festival that marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
The disaster has cast a shadow over the celebrations in the region, with many families mourning loved ones.
Emergency responders, including local divers, are continuing search efforts. Mr. Arah said the rescue mission would persist despite challenging conditions on the river.
The government of Niger State has urged boat operators to prioritize safety and avoid overloading vessels, a common cause of such incidents in the region.
This latest tragedy highlights the persistent safety concerns surrounding water transportation in Nigeria, where overcrowded boats and poor safety regulations have contributed to several fatal accidents in recent years.
Authorities have called for prayers and support for the families of those affected, while investigations into the cause of the accident continue.
