A boat accident on Nigeria’s River Niger has left at least 54 dead and many missing after capsizing. Over 200 passengers were reportedly on board, with 24 rescued and divers continuing the search for more survivors. This incident highlights ongoing issues with safety regulations in Nigerian waterways. No accurate manifest was available, complicating casualty assessments. Kogi’s governor has called for stricter enforcement of safety protocols.
In the early hours of Friday, a tragic incident occurred on Nigeria’s River Niger, with over 54 bodies recovered from the sunken boat that was allegedly carrying more than 200 passengers. Although 24 individuals were rescued, many remain unaccounted for, leading divers to continue their search amidst diminishing hopes of finding additional survivors. This incident adds to a distressing trend of boat accidents across Nigeria due to inadequate adherence to safety regulations and insufficient accountability. Notably, the ill-fated vessel was en route from Kogi State to a market in Niger State, populated primarily by traders and farm laborers. Initial investigations have revealed a lack of life jackets among the passengers, and obtaining a precise list of those onboard is challenging due to the absence of a passenger manifest, as stated by Justin Uche, the head of the Kogi State National Emergency Management Agency.
In response to this calamity, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has mandated that hospitals caring for survivors provide comprehensive care, including meals. He has also emphasized the necessity for stringent enforcement of maritime safety regulations to prevent future tragedies. This incident marks the third significant passenger boat accident in Nigeria within a two-month period, underscoring growing concerns about maritime safety in the region, as evidenced by the previous two incidents which resulted in substantial losses of life.
Boat accidents are becoming alarmingly frequent in Nigeria, especially on inland waterways like the River Niger. This surge in such incidents is largely attributed to systemic failures in safety regulations, poor enforcement practices, and minimal accountability for breaches of safety protocols. Despite numerous safety recommendations, there is little adherence, often leading to significant loss of life during accidents. The incident that occurred this past Friday is indicative of a broader issue affecting the transport network within the country, particularly concerning the safety of passengers on watercraft.
The recent boat capsizing on the River Niger has resulted in over 50 fatalities and numerous individuals remaining missing, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in Nigeria’s maritime operations. The response from local authorities, including calls for better healthcare for survivors and stricter safety enforcement, reflects the necessity to address the fundamentally flawed safety standards that have led to a series of devastating accidents. Moving forward, it is imperative that consistent and rigorous implementation of safety protocols be prioritized to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
