Kogi State Boat Accident: Over 50 Bodies Recovered as Search for Missing Continues
More than 50 bodies have been recovered from the River Niger after a boat carrying over 200 passengers capsized in Nigeria. While 24 individuals were rescued, many others are still missing. The lack of life jackets and record-keeping exacerbated the situation, highlighting ongoing safety issues in Nigeria’s inland water transport.
In a tragic incident on the River Niger in Nigeria, authorities have confirmed the recovery of at least 54 bodies after a boat, reportedly carrying over 200 passengers, capsized early Friday morning. Among the passengers, 24 individuals have been rescued, though some are receiving medical treatment. Unfortunately, a significant number of passengers remain unaccounted for, and divers are continuing their search, albeit with dwindling hope for additional survivors.
The boat was en route from Kogi state to a weekly market in neighboring Niger state, carrying market traders and farm laborers. The circumstances leading to the capsizing are still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest many passengers may not have been wearing life jackets, as mandated. Officials face challenges in verifying the passenger list due to the lack of record-keeping, complicating the identification of both survivors and those still missing.
In response to the tragedy, the governor of Kogi state, Usman Ododo, emphasized the necessity for hospitals treating survivors to provide excellent care, including food and support. Furthermore, he called for a stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future incidents. This incident marks the third significant boat disaster in Nigeria within the past two months, highlighting ongoing safety issues on the country’s waterways.
Boat accidents are unfortunately a recurrent issue in Nigeria, particularly on its vast inland waterways. Despite safety recommendations from authorities, compliance is often insufficient, and accountability for breaches is lacking. The lack of record-keeping for passengers contributes to the difficulty of obtaining accurate information during and after such tragedies. This incident exemplifies the desperate need for better safety measures on Nigeria’s rivers, especially given the alarming frequency of previous accidents.
The sinking of the boat in Nigeria’s River Niger has resulted in at least 54 confirmed deaths and many individuals missing, following the vessel’s capsizing while carrying a large number of passengers to a market. Rescue efforts continue, though the absence of a passenger manifest poses significant challenges for recovery operations. The incident underscores a pressing need for improved safety measures and enforcement of regulations to protect those using the country’s waterways.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
