27 Traders coming back from market killed in boat accident tragedy
27 Traders coming from market killed in boat accident tragedy
Few months after a devastating boat accident in Gbajibo community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, claimed over 100 lives, another boat tragedy has struck the region, leaving 27 people dead.
The latest incident occurred at night as passengers were returning from a market trip in neighboring Niger State.
According to reports, the boat was overloaded, and the situation worsened when strong winds swept through the area ahead of an approaching storm.
One of the survivors, who also witnessed the accident, said it happened three nights ago during the return journey from Niger State.
He noted that the exact number of passengers on board could not be determined due to the confusion and panic that followed the capsizing.
Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abdullah Danladi, who led a delegation to console the bereaved families, expressed deep concern over the recurring boat disasters in the region. He vowed that the government would no longer tolerate the frequent loss of lives on the waterways.
Danladi announced plans to establish a task force to enforce safety regulations, including mandatory use of life jackets and a ban on night-time boat travel.
Also speaking on the tragedy, the Emir of Kaiama, Mallam Muazu Umar, emphasized the need for continuous public awareness to ensure that both passengers and boat operators strictly follow water transport safety protocols.
