At least 54 bodies have been recovered from Nigeria’s River Niger after a boat, believed to be carrying more than 200 passengers, capsized early Friday morning. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as dozens remain missing.
The boat was en route from Kogi state to a weekly market in Niger state when the tragedy struck. Twenty-four survivors have been rescued, some of whom are still receiving treatment in hospitals. Divers continue to search for survivors, but hopes are fading as the hours pass.
Market traders and farm laborers were among the passengers, and reports suggest many may not have been wearing life jackets, a requirement under Nigerian safety regulations. A lack of passenger records is further complicating rescue efforts. “There’s no passenger manifest, making it difficult to account for those on board,” said Justin Uche, head of Kogi state’s National Emergency Management Agency.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has called for hospitals treating survivors to provide comprehensive care, including food and medical attention. He also emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
This marks the third major boat accident in Nigeria within the past 60 days. Last month, nearly 200 lives were lost when a packed wooden canoe sank on the River Niger. Just last week, five people died following a collision between two boats in Delta State.
Nigeria’s inland waterways have long been plagued by accidents, with overcrowding, poor maintenance, and lax enforcement of safety rules cited as key issues. Despite recurring incidents and recommendations, significant accountability and reform remain elusive.