The death toll from the tragic boat capsizing in Niger State has increased to 54, authorities confirmed on Saturday.
The incident occurred on Friday when a boat carrying more than 200 passengers, primarily female traders heading to the Katcha market in Niger State, capsized in the early hours along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger.
Justin Uwazuruonye, the Kogi head of operations at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), provided the latest update, revealing that 54 bodies had been recovered from the river. On Friday, 22 bodies were recovered, but many others remain missing.
“The recovered bodies, as of today (Saturday), according to NEMA, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, and the Red Cross, are 54,” Uwazuruonye said. He also explained that the boat did not have a manifest, making it difficult to determine the exact number of passengers on board. Additionally, the boat’s passengers were traveling at night without life jackets.
The tragic incident has prompted calls for improved safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways. Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo expressed concern over the growing dangers of water transportation, urging authorities to enforce stricter safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
“The waterways have become increasingly dangerous,” Governor Ododo stated in a press release issued by his media aide, Ismaila Isah. “We must ensure that safety measures are in place to minimize the risks associated with water transportation.”
