A devastating boat mishap in Duga Mashaya near Tungan Leda in Shagunu District, Borgu local government area of Niger State has left 12 individuals confirmed dead. The incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon, saw the rescue of 80 individuals, while an intensive search and rescue operation is underway for the two remaining bodies.
According to community sources, the mechanically faulty boat was overloaded, despite warnings and the absence of life jackets, ultimately leading to the tragic event.
Farouk Umar, a local villager, recounted how 80 passengers were safely rescued, with survivors receiving medical attention at the New Bussa General Hospital. Safiya Umar, another resident, expressed relief that her niece was among those who survived and is currently receiving medical care.
Investigations by LEADERSHIP revealed the grim details of the mishap, shedding light on the negligence of the boat operator and the dire consequences of overloading.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that 100 individuals were aboard the boat when it capsized en route to Wawa in Ngeski local government area of Kebbi state.
In response to the tragedy, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, the managing director of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, expressed deep shock and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. He also conveyed prayers for the souls of the departed and offered sympathies to other victims, emphasizing the need for swift recovery.
Yelwa highlighted the concerning pattern of boat operators disregarding safety measures, despite efforts by relevant authorities to curb such risks. He affirmed the commission’s commitment to collaborating with other agencies to enforce inland water transportation safety measures.
The heartbreaking loss of lives in this preventable tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter adherence to safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
