At least 54 bodies have been recovered from Nigeria’s River Niger following the capsizing of a boat believed to have been carrying over 200 passengers early Friday morning, according to authorities.
So far, 24 survivors have been rescued, some of whom are still receiving treatment in hospital, but hopes of finding more survivors are diminishing as divers continue their search.
The boat, which was traveling from Kogi State in central Nigeria to a weekly market in neighboring Niger State, is the latest in a string of deadly boat accidents on the country’s inland waterways. Despite repeated safety recommendations, regulations are often ignored, and accountability remains rare.
Authorities report that market traders and farm laborers were likely among the passengers. However, the exact number of those on board is unclear due to a lack of record-keeping.
“The problem is that there’s no passenger manifest, and because of the time the accident occurred, giving an accurate account of persons, survivors, and those missing is very difficult,” said Justin Uche, head of the Kogi State office of the National Emergency Management Agency, in an interview with the BBC.
Preliminary investigations suggest many passengers were not wearing life jackets, a violation of safety rules.
In response to the tragedy, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has directed hospitals to ensure survivors receive proper medical care, including food. He also called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future incidents.
This marks the third major boat accident in Nigeria within the last 60 days. In October, nearly 200 people died when a wooden canoe carrying almost 300 passengers overturned on the River Niger. Just last week, a collision between two boats in Delta State claimed five lives.
The cause of Friday’s disaster remains under investigation, but the incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways.
