Attah Ede and Kamsi Anayo
Not less than 27 traders have died after a boat capsized in a river at Gbajibo community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Our correspondent gathered that the victims were returning from a market in neighboring Niger State on Saturday night when their boat capsized.
Although, the actual number of passengers on board before the accident occurred could not be ascertained, sources said that the boat was overloaded with over 100 passengers
It was gathered that an unspecified number of passengers survived the boat mishap.
It was further learnt that the incident happened as a result of overloading coupled with strong winds from an approaching storm.
The Chairman of Kaiama LGA, Abdullah Danladi, who confirmed the incident on Sunday, said he in company of other government officials had ready visited the bereaved families.
Danladi condemned the recurring nature of such incidents and announced plans to form a committee tasked with enforcing safety regulations, including mandatory life jackets and a ban on night travel.
The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Umar, called for consistent awareness campaigns to ensure compliance with safety standards among boat passengers and operators.
27 traders feared dead in boat mishap in Kwara
By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
No fewer than 27 traders were feared dead in a boat mishap in Gbajibo-Mudi community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Sources said that the boat was overloaded with more than 100 passengers on board three nights ego, though there were some survivors.
Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government and
Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar, the Emir of the community are already overseeing rescue operations.
Eyewitnesses said the boat was heading to one of the communities in Niger State before the tragic incident, which occurred at about 6:00 p.m.
A survivor said they were on board traveling for commercial purposes in Niger State.
Recalls a similar incident occurred on Oct. 5, 2024, in Gbajibo-Mudi village, when over 200 passengers traveling for the Islamic Maulid festival lost their lives due to overloading.
