A devastating boat accident occurred on Saturday in Niger State, north-central Nigeria, resulting in 13 confirmed deaths and dozens more missing.
The wooden boat, carrying around 100 passengers to a market, capsized, and rescue efforts are underway to recover more bodies.
Twenty-six people, mostly women and children, have been rescued so far.
According to Yusuf Lemu, an official of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, the boat was overloaded, which likely contributed to the accident. Local official Isiyaku Akilu stated that the exact cause is still under investigation, but overloading appears to be a major factor.
The boat driver, who survived the accident, couldn’t confirm the exact number of passengers on board.
This incident is the latest in a string of boat accidents in Niger State, which is home to Nigeria’s three major hydroelectric dams.
In fact, a similar accident occurred just nine months ago, resulting in at least 60 deaths when a boat carrying women and children returning from a religious festival capsized.
Rescue efforts were briefly paused on Sunday to allow the river’s custodian to perform rituals for a safe rescue mission.
The incident highlights the need for improved safety measures and regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
