A boat accident has claimed the lives of 37 traders in Niger State, drawing attention to safety concerns on waterways.
The incident occurred last Thursday evening on the Gbajibo River, as the victims—mainly traders—were returning from the Gbajigbo Mudi market.
Eyewitnesses and officials said the boat was overloaded, and rising water levels may have contributed to the accident.
Initial reports caused confusion about the location, but the Kwara State Government, through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, clarified that the accident took place in Niger State.
“All the victims were from Niger State and were buried there. That was the reason we initially kept silent about the incident,” Ajakaye said in a condolence message released on Sunday.
A former chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Mahmoud Salihu, also confirmed the incident during a telephone interview with The Punch.
He said the accident happened around 6 p.m. on Thursday, shortly after the traders left the market. He added that 37 bodies were recovered, and several others were rescued.
Governor AbdulRazaq urged boat operators and passengers to prioritize safety and follow regulations to avoid future accidents.