NSEMA Reveals Details
Yusuf Lemu, an official from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), reported that 26 people, primarily women and children, were rescued. However, local official Isyaku Akilu and Adamu Ahmed, a member of the boat operators’ association, confirmed that the boat was overloaded, a likely major cause of the accident. The exact number of passengers remains unknown as the boat operator did not maintain a passenger record.
Overloading Cited as Cause
According to local media and Reuters, the exact cause of the accident is under investigation, but initial reports point to overloading. Such incidents are common during Nigeria’s rainy season on rivers and lakes, especially in rural areas where boats are the primary mode of transport. Niger State, home to three of the country’s major hydroelectric dams, has seen a rise in boat accidents.
Rising Boat Accidents in Nigeria
Rescue efforts involve NSEMA officials, local divers, and volunteers, but are hampered by the presence of armed gangs in the area. The increasing number of boat accidents in Nigeria highlights the lack of safety measures and regulations in water transport. Experts cite overloading, poor boat maintenance, and a lack of life jackets as major contributing factors.
Third Major Boat Accident
This is the third major boat accident in Nigeria in recent months. In 2024, over 452 people died in boat accidents across the country, underscoring the urgent need for stricter safety regulations on waterways.