Over 100 Missing as Boat Capsizes on River Niger, Eight Confirmed Dead

• At least 100 people, mostly women, are missing after a boat capsized on the River Niger while traveling from Kogi State to Niger State
• Local divers are working to rescue passengers, but at least eight people have been confirmed dead at the scene
• Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the capsizing, with concerns raised about the boat being overloaded

At least 100 people, mostly women, are missing after a boat transporting them to a food market capsized on the River Niger early on Friday morning.

The boat was traveling from Kogi State to neighboring Niger State when the incident occurred, according to Ibrahim Audu, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.

Incident Details

Local media reported that at least eight people were confirmed dead at the scene. Eyewitness accounts suggested the boat was carrying over 200 passengers, raising concerns about overloading.

Local divers are working tirelessly to rescue other passengers.

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Ongoing Investigation

Justin Uwazuruonye, head of the National Emergency Management Agency’s operations in the state, stated:

“The exact cause of the capsizing has not yet been confirmed. Officials in Kogi state are still trying to locate the precise location of the accident and are seeking assistance from other agencies.”

Boat accidents have been a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, often resulting in significant loss of lives and properties.

Over the years, factors such as overcrowding, poor maintenance of vessels, and lack of safety gear have contributed to these incidents.

Women Die as Another Boat Capsizes

Meanhwile, Legit.ng earlier reported that several people, including women and children, on a yet-to-be-identified boat, have been reported to have been feared dead when their boat capsized on the River Niger water.

According to The Punch, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, as some Nigerians were seen rescuing the victims of the accident around the Onitsha bank.

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This development aligned with a video of the accident making rounds on social media on Sunday. As of the time of writing this report, the casualty number could not be figured out, but it was learnt that the passengers were coming from Kogi state.

Source: Legit.ng