Boat Accident in Nigeria Leaves 28 Dead and Dozens Missing

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.

Boat accidents in Nigeria have been a persistent concern, particularly in remote areas with limited access to proper transportation infrastructure. The lack of good roads in these areas forces local communities to depend heavily on river transport, exposing them to risks and accidents.

The latest incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures and infrastructure development in riverine communities. Life jackets, proper boat maintenance, and not overcrowding boats are crucial factors that can help prevent such tragedies.

The government of Nigeria, along with relevant authorities, should prioritize the implementation of safety regulations, including regular boat inspections and strengthening of emergency response systems. This would ensure the safety of passengers and help prevent future accidents.

Local communities should also be educated about the importance of following safety protocols when using river transport. This includes wearing life jackets, avoiding overcrowded boats, and reporting any concerns or issues with boats or captains to the appropriate authorities.

As the search operation for the missing passengers continues, it is essential for the government and communities to work together to improve transportation infrastructure, provide better access to remote areas, and ensure the safety of everyone relying on river transport.

Only through concerted efforts can Nigeria overcome the challenges posed by boat accidents and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

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

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