ABUJA, May 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thirty people drowned when an overloaded boat capsized in central Nigeria’s Niger State, an emergency official said.
The boat ferrying 100 local traders split into two after hitting a stump during a windstorm as they were returning from a market on Saturday, said Ibrahim Audu Hussein, spokesman for Niger state emergency agency.
“So far 30 bodies have been recovered and five are still missing,” Hussein said on the accident that occurred at Tijana village in Munya district.
“Sixty-five passengers were rescued with the help of local villagers,” he said.
Heavy rains were hampering the search but divers were “braving the odds”, Husseini said.
Boat capsizes are common in Nigerian waterways because of overcrowding and lack of maintenance, particularly in the annual rainy season.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Pres Muhammadu Buhari called on transportation authorities to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the nation’s waterways.
In a statement, the President wishes the wounded a speedy recovery and success on the search and rescue of some missing passengers on the capsized boat.”
“President Buhari calls on the transportation authorities to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the nation’s waterways and urges that lessons from this accident should help prevent a future occurrence.”
“He assures residents of Niger State that restoring long term stability and peace is a core objective of the Federal Government working with the State government and other critical stakeholders in the local communities.” — NNN-AGENCIES