Boat carrying wedding guests capsizes in Niger river, over 100 dead

Dozens dead in deadly boat capsize in northern Nigeria

Overcrowded ships sink on Niger River, resulting in many casualties

A devastating incident unfolded on the Niger River in northern Nigeria after a boat carrying wedding guests capsized, killing at least 103 people, including many children. The incident happened on Monday morning in Pategi district of Kwara state, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from the state capital Ilorin. Rescue efforts are currently underway, with dozens of people still reported missing. Around 100 people have been successfully rescued so far.

 

Overcrowding and adverse weather conditions contribute to the disaster 

The ill-fated boat was carrying a large number of passengers, estimated to be around 300 persons, who were returning from a joyous wedding ceremony in neighboring Niger State. After the festivities lasted late into the night, the guests initially attempted to depart on motorcycles. However, heavy rainfall made the road impassable, forcing them to rely on a locally made boat.

 

Tragedy strikes as boat splits in two 

A tragic turn of events occurred when the boat collided with a submerged log, splitting it in two. As the passengers found themselves unable to swim, they faced a dire situation as the boat sank rapidly. Nearby villagers responded quickly upon notification of the crisis, initially managing to rescue about 50 persons. However, the rescue operation was greatly hampered by the darkness of the night and the challenging conditions.

 

Ongoing rescue and relief operations underway 

Authorities and local residents are tirelessly conducting search and rescue operations along the Niger River, a vast waterway in Nigeria. The rescue operation is expected to continue throughout the night and till Wednesday. The tragic accident has devastated the community, with locals describing it as the deadliest boat incident they have seen in years.

 

Factors contributing to boat accidents in Nigeria 

Unfortunately, boat accidents are not uncommon in remote areas of Nigeria, where locally made ships serve as the primary means of transportation. These incidents are often attributed to factors such as overloading and the use of poorly maintained boats.

Following this heartbreaking tragedy, Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public of his commitment to closely monitor the ongoing rescue efforts and search for any survivors . The incident is a reminder of the urgent need to address safety measures and improve transportation infrastructure to prevent similar accidents in the future.