The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) says it has deployed an emergency rescue team to search for missing passengers following the capsizing of a merchant boat in Ebe community, Kupa South Local Government Area of Kogi State, early Friday morning, November 29, 2024.
Preliminary reports from NIWA revealed that the wooden boat was traveling to Katcha market in Niger State when it capsized due to poor visibility and overloading. The exact number of passengers on board and the fatalities remain unclear as the investigation continues.
The boat, operated by an unidentified individual, departed from an abandoned jetty at approximately 1 a.m., reportedly attempting to bypass NIWA’s strict surveillance measures on the waterways.
In response, NIWA in an official statement made available to our correspondent noted that it has constituted an investigation panel to determine the exact cause of the incident, verify the number of passengers, and identify the owner of the boat. Meanwhile, NIWA’s top management team is directly coordinating rescue efforts and ensuring that survivors receive immediate medical attention.
Expressing dismay over the incident, the Managing Director of NIWA stated “We are deeply shocked by this incident despite our sustained efforts to educate Nigerians on waterway safety. Recently, we introduced the National Waterways Transportation Code, engaged communities and stakeholders, and collaborated with state governors to provide safer watercraft for transport. Sadly, this tragedy has occurred.”
The NIWA boss further assured that those responsible for violating safety regulations would face prosecution, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to enforcing waterway laws to prevent similar occurrences.
Further details about the incident will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that, an earlier report had indicated that the mishap occurred between Baro and Akwanu communities of Agaie Local Government Area of Niger and claimed 22 lives.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the incident in a statement in Minna on Friday.
Arah said the boat, sailing from Ebe Community in Kogi state with about 50 passengers on board, was heading to Katcha market when the incident occurred around 2.00 a.m. on Thursday.
He said that personnel of NSEMA, Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and other community volunteers, had been directing search and rescue operations.
The D-G said that 22 bodies had been recovered, while eight persons had been rescued alive so far.
Arah added that 18 of the recovered bodies were from Kogi state, while four were inhabitants of Akwanu community in Agaie LGA in Niger
He said that the search and rescue operation was still ongoing to locate more survivors, adding that the general public would be provided with further updates.
