Rescue teams in Nigeria are actively searching for over 40 passengers missing after a boat capsized in the River Goronyo, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the region's waterways.
Search Intensifies for Missing Passengers After Boat Capsize in Nigeria
Search Intensifies for Missing Passengers After Boat Capsize in Nigeria
Over 40 people are still unaccounted for following a capsized boat incident in Sokoto state, as rescue operations ramp up.
Rescue workers in northern Nigeria are currently engaged in a frantic search for more than 40 missing individuals following a tragic boat accident in Sokoto state. The National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) reported that the ill-fated vessel was transporting over 50 people to a local market when it capsized on Sunday. Presently, four survivors have been located, prompting Nema to "intensify efforts alongside local authorities to locate [those] still missing."
Boat accidents are prevalent in Nigeria, often attributed to overcrowded vessels, poor maintenance, and a lack of enforcement of safety regulations. A distressing incident in December 2024 saw the recovery of 54 bodies from the River Niger, following the sinking of a boat believed to have carried over 200 passengers. This marked the third boat disaster in the span of two months.
Previous accidents have also raised alarm. In November 2024, a wooden canoe with close to 300 people capsized, resulting in nearly 200 fatalities. Another catastrophic incident from two years ago involved over 100 deaths due to overcrowding in a vessel carrying around 300 passengers after a wedding celebration. Although regulations mandate that all passengers wear life jackets, this safety measure is frequently overlooked, particularly in rural areas.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for the safe recovery of the missing passengers.
