Over 100 people, predominantly women and children, are still missing after a boat capsized in northwestern Nigeria, authorities are reporting.
The incident occurred on Monday night along the Niger River, as the overloaded vessel was returning from a religious festival.
The boat was designed to hold only 100 passengers but was carrying approximately 300 people when it overturned in the Mokwa district of Niger state, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.
Local media indicated that search efforts have already recovered 11 bodies, comprising nine men and two women. However, the situation remains dire, with families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.
A general view of the Niger River in Onitsha on February 27, 2023. Over 100 people are still missing after a boat packed with nearly 300 passengers sank in the Niger River on Monday, in northwestern Nigeria.
Getty Images/Patrick Meinhardt
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, head of Niger state’s emergency services, confirmed that at least 150 individuals have been rescued so far. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, hoping to locate additional survivors trapped beneath the wreckage. Local divers and volunteers are helping with the search operation as well.
Salihu Garba, director of relief and rehabilitation at the state emergency services, highlighted the boat’s dangerous overcapacity, stating, “The boat was not supposed to carry more than 100 persons, but there were almost 300 people on it. And that was what resulted in the breakage of the boat.”
This incident is part of a troubling trend in Nigeria, where boat disasters are not uncommon due to inadequate infrastructure, regulatory oversight and mismanagement.
Experts note that regulatory failures and the habitual overloading of boats have contributed significantly to such tragedies in Nigeria. The overwhelming number of passengers significantly increases the risk of capsizing, leading to dire consequences for communities already facing hardships.
The latest capsize is the fourth major incident involving over 100 passengers in northern Nigeria since mid-2023, many of whom remain unaccounted for. This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and stricter enforcement of maritime regulations.
As the search and rescue operations continue, communities are left grappling with the emotional toll of this disaster. The Nigerian government faces increasing scrutiny regarding its ability to ensure safe transportation for its citizens, particularly in remote areas where alternatives are limited.
In response to this tragic event, local leaders are calling for immediate action to enhance safety regulations on water transport to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
