A tragic boat accident on the Niger River in north-central Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 26 people, marking yet another deadly incident on the nation’s waterways. The accident occurred on Tuesday in the Ibaji area of Kogi state, as a vessel carrying mostly traders en route to a market in neighboring Edo state capsized, according to Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi state commissioner for information.

While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, preliminary reports suggest that overloading and poor vessel maintenance may have contributed, a recurring issue in Nigeria’s remote regions. Fanwo expressed profound sorrow, stating, “This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, as well as the entire Ibaji local government area, in this moment of grief.” He added that the Kogi state government is committed to collaborating with federal agencies to enhance waterway safety and prevent future tragedies.

Boat accidents are alarmingly frequent in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, when swollen rivers and poor infrastructure exacerbate risks. Many vessels operate without life jackets, and overloading is a widespread problem, as seen in a similar incident last month in Niger state’s Borgu area, where 31 people perished after a boat struck a tree trunk. Experts are calling for stricter regulations, regular vessel inspections, and mandatory safety equipment to curb the rising death toll.

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The Kogi state government has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the Ibaji accident and implement measures to ensure safer travel on Nigeria’s waterways. Community leaders in Ibaji have also urged for immediate support for the affected families and the establishment of emergency response systems to address such disasters.

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