Rescue workers in Niger state are still combing the Niger River after a crowded boat capsized near Mokwa early Wednesday. Officials said the vessel had set out before dawn with more than 100 passengers heading to a nearby market. It did not make it far before overturning.
Several bodies have been recovered, though the total number of deaths has not been confirmed. Survivors told local authorities that the boat carried both people and goods. Dozens are still missing.
Emergency crews, police, and volunteer divers are on site. Strong currents and poor visibility have slowed the search, but officials said operations will not stop until everyone is found.
Accidents on Nigeria’s waterways are not unusual. In river communities, boats are the only transport available. Overloading, weak enforcement of safety rules, and poorly maintained vessels often lead to disasters. The Niger River, one of the country’s busiest waterways, has seen repeated fatal incidents in recent years.
The Niger state government expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and promised assistance. Officials said investigators will review the circumstances of the capsizing and recommend steps to prevent a repeat.
