At least a hundred people have gone missing after a boat capsized on the Niger River in the northern region of Nigeria. According to the local administration, the accident occurred on Friday (29 November 2024) morning when the boat was going from Kogi State to a food market in Niger State. Niger State Emergency Management Agency spokesman Ibrahim Audu said that most of the people on board the boat were women at the time of the incident.
National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) spokesperson Makama Suleiman said the boat was carrying mainly traders from the Missa community of central Kogi state, who were going to the weekly market in neighboring Niger state. Suleman said that the rescue operation is still going on, but the exact number of dead is unknown.
Local divers started rescue operation
According to the report of ‘Channels’ Television, the deaths of eight people have been confirmed so far. Local divers are trying to find the missing people. Although the administration has not yet confirmed the reason for the boat capsizing, but local media say that there were more than two hundred people on board the boat, which may be more than its capacity. Due to the poor condition of roadways in remote areas of Nigeria, people often have to resort to such risky water routes.
Accidents are increasing due to lack of safety measures
Kogi State authorities are yet to identify the exact location of the accident. National Emergency Management Agency official Justin Uwazuruoni said that help has also been sought from other agencies. Such accidents are becoming common in Nigeria. Despite the large population of the country, accidents are increasing due to non-compliance of safety rules and standards in water transport."text-align: justify;">Also read:
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