Tragedy on the Niger River Claims 27 Lives

 A wooden boat carrying dozens to a condolence visit capsized on the Niger River, leaving 27 dead and sparking renewed calls for stricter safety measures. The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) praised the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for its swift rescue efforts while condemning overloading as a key factor.

In the remote Malale area of Borgu, a boat ferrying 90 passengers, mostly women and children, collided with a tree stump, leading to a catastrophic sinking. NSEMA’s Director-General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed 50 survivors were rescued, but two remain missing. The agency’s ongoing search underscores the urgency of the crisis, with local divers and volunteers combing the river. 

NIWA’s statement highlighted the absence of life jackets, noting that their use could have saved more lives. Overloading, a persistent issue on Nigeria’s waterways, was pinpointed as the primary cause, echoing patterns in recent tragedies like the October 2024 sinking that killed 60.

The incident has reignited debates over lax regulations. Experts point to poorly maintained vessels and inadequate safety enforcement as systemic failures, with past accidents in Kwara and Kogi exposing similar vulnerabilities. NIWA’s call for stricter compliance faces challenges in rural areas, where economic pressures drive risky travel practices. 

The tragedy tests Nigeria’s ability to reform its inland waterways, with public grief fueling demands for action. As rescue efforts continue, the loss of 27 lives could galvanize policy changes, ensuring safer journeys for communities reliant on river transport.