A tragic boat mishap occurred on October 1st, 2024, when a boat carrying around 200 passengers capsized in the Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. The boat, which had departed from Mundi Village, was heading towards Gbajibo Village after a market day before disaster struck. The incident has left many families in shock, as rescue operations are still ongoing.
Malam Habibu Wushishi, Director of Media and Strategy for the Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, confirmed the accident in a press statement issued in Minna. He noted that while the exact cause of the mishap remains unclear, efforts to rescue the victims and determine the circumstances are underway.
Expressing sorrow, Niger State’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Alhaji Ahmed Baba Suleiman Yumu, and Permanent Secretary, Barrister Mairo Mohammed Mann, expressed their deep shock at the news. The state is coordinating closely with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority to investigate the incident thoroughly.
This tragedy is not an isolated event in the region. Wushishi mentioned that this is the second boat accident in Mundi Village in recent months, raising concerns about the safety of waterways in the area. He urged residents of riverine communities to take extra precautions when traveling by boat, especially by avoiding night travel, refraining from overloading vessels, and prioritizing the use of life jackets.
The ministry also highlighted the importance of using well maintained and safe boats to prevent such avoidable tragedies in the future. The safety of passengers must be the top priority for boat operators, especially in areas prone to accidents.
As the rescue mission continues, the Niger State Government has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the people of Gbajibo Village, the Mokwa Local Government Council, and the affected families. The ministry has promised to keep all stakeholders updated as more information becomes available, offering support to those affected by this devastating event.
This tragic accident is a reminder of the critical need for safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways. With multiple boat mishaps in recent months, it is evident that more stringent safety regulations and increased public awareness are necessary to prevent future accidents. The government, emergency management agencies, and local communities must work together to ensure the safety of all those who rely on boats for transportation in riverine areas.
As Niger State mourns this devastating loss, the hope is that this tragedy will prompt renewed efforts to improve water transportation safety, preventing future incidents and saving lives.