The death toll from a tragic boat accident in Niger State, Nigeria, has risen to 70, according to local media reports on Sunday. The National Inland Waterways Authority confirmed that rescue operations are still underway following the October 1 incident on the Gbajibo River, in the Mokwa area of the state.
The boat, carrying around 300 passengers returning from a funeral, capsized, leading to a significant loss of life. So far, 150 people have been rescued, but many others remain missing as the search continues.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, describing the accident as a “deep tragedy.”
Fatal boat accidents are a recurring issue in rural Nigeria, where river transport is common but often lacks regulation, making incidents like this all too frequent. Rescue teams remain on-site, hopeful of finding more survivors amidst the ongoing efforts.
