In a deeply tragic incident, 27 passengers have lost their lives in a devastating boat mishap in Kwara State. The ill-fated journey took place as the victims were returning from a market trip in neighboring Niger State.
The accident, which occurred three days ago during the night, has once again cast a dark shadow over the region, occurring barely seven months after a similar boat tragedy claimed over 100 lives in Gbajibo community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Eyewitnesses and a survivor of the mishap recounted the harrowing experience, revealing that the accident was primarily caused by overloading. The boat, which was originally designed to carry no more than 100 passengers, is often dangerously overburdened with as many as 300 individuals during both the dry and rainy seasons.
On the night of the accident, the situation was further exacerbated by a heavy storm and strong winds, which caused the vessel to capsize.
The survivor, visibly shaken, recounted how panic quickly spread among passengers as turbulent waves tossed the boat in the darkness. With no adequate lighting or safety measures in place, the chaos made it difficult for many to escape or be rescued in time.
In response to the tragedy, the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Hon. Abdullah Danladi, visited the scene alongside a government delegation to offer condolences to the grieving families.
He expressed deep sorrow over the recurring nature of such incidents, lamenting that such loss of lives had become an almost annual occurrence in the area.
Danladi warned that the government would no longer condone negligence in water transportation and announced the immediate formation of a regulatory committee.
The committee, he explained, will be tasked with enforcing strict compliance with safety protocols, particularly the compulsory use of life jackets. Additionally, night travel on local waterways will be officially banned to prevent further tragedies.
In a show of solidarity, the Emir of Kaiama, His Royal Highness Muazu Umar, also pledged to step up efforts in sensitizing both boat operators and passengers. He emphasized the importance of adhering to water transport safety regulations and promised to collaborate with local authorities to organize enlightenment campaigns aimed at promoting safe practices on the waterways.
As search and rescue efforts continue, with many still feared missing, this tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for stricter oversight and improved safety measures in Nigeria’s inland water transport system.