A boat accident on the Niger River has claimed the lives of 13 passengers in a devastating incident that has once again drawn attention to the dangers of water transportation in Nigeria’s riverine communities.
The tragic event occurred on Tuesday near the boundary between Kogi and Niger States, when a locally made passenger boat reportedly capsized due to overloading and poor weather conditions.
According to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the boat was ferrying over 20 passengers across the river when it lost balance and sank. Thirteen bodies have been recovered so far, while search-and-rescue operations are ongoing for others still missing.
“We are working closely with local divers and emergency agencies to locate any remaining survivors or retrieve more bodies,” said NIWA spokesperson, Sarah Adegoke. “This is a painful reminder of the need for stricter safety enforcement on our waterways.”
Eyewitnesses said many of the victims were traders and farmers heading to a local market. Only a handful of passengers were reportedly wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to the bereaved families and promising a thorough investigation. He also ordered immediate support for survivors and a review of safety protocols on the state’s water routes.
Boat accidents remain a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s inland waterways, often linked to overloading, lack of regulation, and poor maintenance of vessels.
Community leaders have renewed calls on authorities to enforce safety standards, provide modern boats, and educate passengers on maritime safety practices.
