A boat carrying 22 people from Kasabu village in Agwara local government area of Niger state to Yauri in Kebbi state has capsized, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA). The agency said the incident occurred on Monday between 11am and 12 pm, and that a survivor of the mishap reported that the boat was overloaded with passengers and goods.
The agency’s overseeing Director General, Alhaji Salihu Garba, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that search and rescue operations were ongoing by local divers and boat owners under the supervision of the agency’s desk officer in Agwara. He said no passenger has been recovered yet, adding that the mishap happened on Yauri market day, which attracts many traders and customers from neighboring villages and states.
He said that only after the market would families be able to declare their missing relatives, and that it takes about 24 hours for any drowned person to surface atop water. He attributed the cause of the incident to water hyacinth coupled with strong waves, which hampered the visibility and movement of the boat. Boat accidents are common in Nigeria, especially in the rainy season, when water levels rise, and rivers overflow their banks.
In May, at least 30 people died when a boat capsized in Lagos, the country’s commercial capital. In June, another boat accident in Kebbi state claimed the lives of 76 people. The government has repeatedly urged boat operators and passengers to adhere to safety measures, such as wearing life jackets, avoiding overloading, and checking weather conditions before embarking on trips. However, many people ignore these warnings, either due to ignorance, poverty, or lack of alternatives.
The NSEMA said it would continue to sensitize the public on the dangers of flouting safety rules, and also collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure the enforcement of regulations. The agency also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the recovery of the missing persons.
Source: Vanguard
