Sat Nov 30 06:39:17 UTC 2024: ## Over 100 Missing After Boat Capsizes on Niger River in Nigeria
**MINNA, NIGERIA** – A tragic boat accident on the Niger River in central Nigeria has left over 100 people missing and at least 27 dead. The vessel, carrying approximately 200 passengers from Kogi State to a food market in neighboring Niger State, capsized late Thursday.
According to Ibrahim Audu, a spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, more than half of the passengers are unaccounted for. Rescuers recovered 27 bodies by Friday evening, none of which were wearing life jackets. Sandra Musa, spokeswoman for the Kogi State emergency services, cited turbulence and the age of the boat as possible causes for the capsizing, highlighting the lack of life jackets as a significant contributing factor to the high death toll.
The rescue operation was hampered by difficulties in locating the accident site, according to Justin Uwazuruonye of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo stated that the majority of the victims were women involved in trading and artisan work. Downstream villagers and volunteers have been urged to assist in the search for any remaining bodies.
This incident marks the latest in a string of deadly boat accidents on Nigeria’s waterways. Similar tragedies in recent months have resulted in significant loss of life, often attributed to overcrowding, poor boat maintenance, and the lack of life jackets. Authorities are struggling to enforce safety regulations and improve water transportation safety standards.
First Piper 