Boat Accident in Niger State: Death Toll Rises to 28

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - The death toll in the boat accident in north-central Nigeria´s Niger State has risen to 28, emergency services said Monday, as communities mobilized in support of an intensified search for dozens still missing after the passenger boat capsized.

The boat capsized along the Niger River on Sunday morning with more than 100 villagers, mostly women and children, aboard. They were traveling to their farmlands in the Gbajibo community, located 251 kilometers (156 miles) from the state capital Minna, the closest source of emergency response.

It took several hours before help could reach the community because of its remote location, and villagers nearby were on the lookout for bodies floating on the river, Niger State Emergency Management Agency spokesman Ibrahim Audu told The Associated Press.

Divers recovered four more bodies from the river by Monday morning with at least 40 passengers believed to be still missing, Audu said. Thirty had been rescued.

"Instruction has been passed across all the communities surrounding that place so that some of them will watch out (for bodies)," he said.

Niger Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago described the accident as "shocking and sorrowful" and directed the state emergency services to assist those affected, according to a statement issued by his office. He reiterated the importance of using life jackets and avoiding overcrowded boats.

Concerns remained about the regular and deadly boat accidents in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country where a number of remote and riverine communities do not have access to good roads, leaving rivers as the only available means of transportation.

It is still not clear what caused the latest accident but emergency services personnel said it could be as a result of overloading, the condition of the boat or a hindrance of the boat´s movement along the water.

This tragic boat accident in Niger State highlights the challenges faced by remote communities in Nigeria when it comes to transportation. With inadequate road infrastructure, rivers become the primary mode of travel for villagers living near water bodies. Unfortunately, this reliance on boats often leads to accidents and loss of life, as seen in this recent incident.

As the death toll rises and the search continues for the missing individuals, communities have come together to assist the emergency services in their efforts. The tragedy has prompted a renewed call for safety measures, including the use of life jackets and avoiding overcrowded boats.

Niger Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago's directive for state emergency services to aid those affected emphasizes the need for proactive measures in preventing future accidents. Education and awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate villagers on safety precautions and the risks associated with overloading boats or operating them under unfavorable conditions.

The exact cause of the boat accident is still under investigation, and it is crucial to identify the factors that contributed to the tragedy. Whether it was due to overloading, the condition of the boat, or obstacles hindering its movement, a thorough analysis is necessary to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of developing alternative transportation options for remote communities. Improving road infrastructure and providing safer modes of travel would significantly reduce the risks faced by villagers who rely on rivers as their only means of transportation.

The Nigerian government should prioritize the development of transportation networks in remote areas, ensuring that communities have access to reliable and safe means of travel. By investing in infrastructure projects and implementing stricter safety regulations, the frequency of boat accidents can be significantly reduced.

In times of tragedy, it is essential for communities, government agencies, and citizens to come together and support one another. The boat accident in Niger State is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by remote communities and the urgent need for action to prevent further loss of life.

As the search and rescue operation continues, hopes remain high that more missing individuals will be found alive. The resilience and unity displayed by the affected communities serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-11 News

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