Niger River Boat Capsize Leaves 27 Dead, Many Missing

A tragic boat accident occurred on the River Niger in northern Nigeria, where a vessel carrying over 200 passengers capsized, resulting in at least 27 confirmed deaths and over 100 missing, mostly women. The boat was traveling from Kogi State to a market in Niger State, and the lack of a passenger manifest has complicated rescue efforts. Authorities suggest that overcrowding, a common issue due to inadequate road infrastructure in Nigeria, might have contributed to the disaster. Many passengers were not wearing life jackets, which further increased the fatalities. This incident highlights the recurring problem of deadly boat accidents in Nigeria, often attributed to overcrowding and poor maintenance of vessels. Efforts are underway to rescue survivors, but the lack of safety measures and enforcement remains a critical concern for water transportation in the country.