27 Lives Lost in Kwara Boat Tragedy, Sparking Calls for Stricter Waterway Safety

A devastating boat accident in the Gbajibo community, located in Kwara State's Kaiama Local Government Area, has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 individuals. The incident comes just seven months after a similar disaster claimed over 100 lives in the same region.  

Reports indicate that the ill-fated boat was transporting passengers returning from a market in neighboring Niger State when it capsized. An eyewitness and survivor revealed that the accident happened three nights prior, attributing the tragedy to overloading and severe winds from an approaching storm. While the exact number of passengers remains unclear, the survivor emphasized that overcrowding played a major role in the disaster.  

In response, Kaiama Local Government Chairman Abdullah Danladi visited the affected families, pledging government action to prevent future occurrences. He announced the formation of a committee to enforce safety regulations, including mandatory life jackets, a ban on nighttime travel, and other precautionary measures.  

The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Umar, also vowed to intensify public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance with waterway safety protocols among passengers and boat operators.  

This latest incident follows a previous boat mishap in October 2023, where over 60 people, mostly women and children, lost their lives in the same community. That accident involved an overcrowded wooden boat, carrying nearly three times its capacity.  

Following the earlier tragedy, President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences and directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate recurring boat accidents and implement preventive strategies nationwide.  

Authorities now face mounting pressure to enforce stricter regulations and improve safety standards to avert further loss of lives on Nigeria's waterways.