A devastating boat mishap has claimed the lives of at least 93 people in the Gwajibo community, Niger State, after a wooden boat carrying around 300 passengers capsized on Tuesday night. The victims, all indigenes of Gwajibo Mudi in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, were en route to a neighboring community for a Maulud Nabbiy celebration when the tragic incident occurred.
Eyewitness reports from the area confirm that so far, 93 bodies have been recovered from the river where the boat capsized. The scale of the tragedy is immense, as the ill fated boat was filled to capacity with over 300 passengers at the time of the accident.
Amidst the sorrow, there is a small glimmer of hope. Four children, who miraculously survived the accident, are currently receiving treatment at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Gwajibo Mudi and are expected to be discharged soon.
The horrific incident has prompted widespread mourning across Kwara State. The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss of lives. In his condolence message, he extended his sympathies to the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Omar Mu’azu, whose community has been severely affected by the disaster. The Emir described the loss as regrettable, saddening, and worrisome, acknowledging the significant number of victims involved.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was quick to act following the incident. He directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to coordinate with local authorities to provide assistance to survivors and the families of the victims. Efforts are underway to offer support and relief to the grieving community, with rescue and recovery operations still ongoing.
In response to the tragedy, the Emir of Ilorin also urged residents in riverine areas to prioritize safety by wearing life jackets when traveling by water. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
This boat mishap is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by overcrowded boats and the need for enhanced safety measures in Nigeria's riverine communities. As the community mourns the loss of so many lives, there are growing calls for authorities to enforce stricter regulations to ensure the safety of passengers on waterways, and prevent such tragedies from happening again.