- Nigeria boat accident leaves dozens feared dead in River Niger
- 150 people rescued, 60 bodies recovered and many still missing
- Most victims were women and children
- They were travelling by boat to a festival
Nigeria boat accident leaves dozens feared dead in River Niger
A boat carrying more than 300 people capsized on Tuesday night on the River Niger in north-central Nigeria. Dozens are feared dead.
According to the head of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, around 60 bodies have been recovered so far, with rescue operations ongoing. Local authorities report that approximately 150 passengers have been rescued, with many still missing. Most of the victims were women and children, travelling to celebrate the Muslim festival of Mawlid, which honours the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The boat had departed from Mundi and was en route to Gbajibo when it overturned. Although the cause of the accident remains unclear, incidents like this are not uncommon on the River Niger, particularly during the rainy season when water levels rise, making navigation more dangerous. Overloaded and poorly maintained boats, combined with debris in the water, often contribute to such accidents.
Community volunteers and local divers were praised for their swift response, working tirelessly to save as many lives as possible. Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster has left the region in mourning.
Rescue operations continue, with authorities urging caution for those travelling by boat on the river, especially under challenging conditions.
