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Deadly Boat Accident Claims Dozens of Lives
At least 60 people have died after a passenger boat capsized in Nigeria's Niger State. The tragic incident occurred when the overloaded vessel struck a submerged tree trunk during its journey from a riverside community to the city of Dugga.
Rescue Operations Underway
Local officials report that more than 100 passengers were aboard the boat when it capsized on Tuesday morning. Emergency services have rescued dozens of survivors, but at least 10 people remain in critical condition. Rescue teams including divers continue searching for missing passengers in the river.
"We have recovered 31 bodies from the river so far," said local administrator Muhammad in an interview with Reuters. "The majority of victims are women and children who were traveling to offer condolences in Dugga."
Chronic Safety Issues
This tragedy highlights the persistent safety problems plaguing Nigeria's river transport system. Emergency services confirmed the boat was severely overloaded, a common issue in river communities where transportation options are limited.
Boat accidents occur frequently in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season from March to October when water levels rise rapidly. Many river communities rely on fragile wooden fishing canoes for transportation, often without proper maintenance or safety equipment.
According to historical data, similar incidents have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years, including a 2021 disaster that killed 29 schoolchildren.
Government Response Needed
The recurring nature of these accidents underscores the urgent need for better safety regulations, improved vessel maintenance standards, and enhanced emergency response capabilities in Nigeria's riverine areas.
