In northwest Nigeria, a tragic incident unfolded as a boat, primarily carrying farmers, capsized on a river in Zamfara state, resulting in the drowning of at least 40 individuals. President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences and assured aid to the victims, instructing emergency services to evaluate the situation.
The mishap occurred when farmers were on their way to their land, a familiar route for those who regularly utilize the river to transport goods to markets. Reports indicate that the boat was overloaded, a common practice despite the risks it poses. The exact number of passengers aboard the boat at the time of the accident remains unclear.
Zamfara state is known for activities by armed groups involved in activities such as kidnapping for ransom, cattle theft, and illegal mining, adding to the challenges faced by residents in the region. Unfortunately, boat accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria’s remote areas, often due to overloading and the operation of boats in poor conditions.
In a similar incident in August, over 20 people perished in a boat accident in southern Nigeria due to an engine explosion. Safety measures such as life jackets and proper equipment are frequently lacking in these communities, leaving inhabitants vulnerable to such tragedies.