Nigeria faced a severe boat accident that has left 17 individuals dead with more than 70 others still missing after a boat capsized on the Benue River, located in the Ardo-Kola district of Taraba state.
The tragedy unfolded on the evening of Saturday, October 28, 2023, and has since been a painful addition to the series of boat tragedies Nigeria has endured.
The boat was filled beyond its capacity with over 100 traders returning from a local, crowded fish market within the district.
In the aftermath of the accident, rescuers have successfully rescued 14 survivors and recovered 17 bodies. Despite these efforts, the search continues for the 73 missing individuals.
The Benue River’s swift and high waters have posed significant obstacles, making the rescue efforts increasingly challenging. Officials predict it might take several days to finalize the search.
The frequency of such catastrophic boat incidents in Nigeria is alarmingly high, particularly in remote areas of the country. Insufficient road infrastructure makes boat travel a necessity for many communities, but overloaded boats have contributed to making waterways hazardous for transport.
This recent incident is the third major boat accident within a four-month span in Nigeria where the passenger count surpassed 100 individuals. Overloading is a recurring theme identified in these tragic events.
In response to this disaster, Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas has declared the accident a “monumental tragedy.” With the aim of preventing future such incidents, he has decreed the compulsory usage of life jackets for all boat travelers within the state.
The local community has stepped up to assist official rescue teams in their search for the missing passengers. Their deep understanding of the river’s dynamics and their dedication to the well-being of their community have proven to be crucial in the ongoing rescue operations.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to pinpoint the precise cause of this catastrophic event.
