Nigerian river tragedy: Search continues for missing passengers
The accident occurred in northern Nigeria. A boat carrying passengers to food markets in neighbouring Niger capsized. Onboard were approximately 200 people, mostly women. According to Radio ZET, rescuers have already found 27 bodies of the tragedy's victims.
30 November 2024 11:02
As a result of the tragic accident on one of the rivers in Nigeria, about 200 passengers travelling on the boat were trapped when the vessel overturned during a journey from Kogi State to the neighbouring State of Niger. Rescuers immediately sprang into action, and after many hours of intensive efforts, so far they have managed to recover 27 bodies.
The spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Audu, reported that rescuers and divers have been continuously searching, but despite their intense efforts, after 12 hours they have not been able to find any surviving passengers.
Tragedy in Nigeria. They are still searching for bodies
Justin Uwazuruonye, coordinator of the Nigerian National Emergency Management Agency, added that rescuers encountered difficulties in determining the exact location of the boat's capsizing, which significantly delayed the rescue operation.
The boat was transporting passengers to food markets, and most of the people onboard were women. Although the cause of the disaster has not yet been officially specified, Nigerian media suggest that the boat may have been overloaded, a common issue in the region.
Overloaded boats are a common phenomenon, especially in remote parts of Nigeria, where road infrastructure is insufficient, and water transport is the only available option to reach essential places such as markets or other trade centres. In many areas with poor or nonexistent roads, residents are forced to use rivers and lakes to transport goods and people.
