Twenty-seven passengers lost their lives three nights ago when an overloaded boat capsized en route from a Niger State market to Kaiama in Kwara State. Eyewitnesses and a lone survivor report that what is typically a 100-passenger vessel was carrying nearly 300 people when a sudden storm and high winds caused it to founder.
The survivor, who wished to remain anonymous, told rescuers that the boat’s operators routinely ignore capacity limits, boarding passengers in both dry and rainy seasons without regard for safety. Heavy rain began shortly after departure, and amid pitching waves, the vessel took on water before overturning in darkness.
Kaiama Local Government Chairman Abdullah Danladi, leading state officials in consoling bereaved families, condemned the “nearly yearly” recurrence of such accidents. He announced the formation of a safety committee empowered to enforce strict life-jacket regulations and an outright ban on night travel for local boats.
His Royal Highness Emir Muazu Umar of Kaiama also pledged to intensify public awareness campaigns, urging both travelers and operators to observe basic water-safety standards. As communities mourn, pressure is mounting on authorities to end the cycle of preventable maritime tragedies.
