Atiku mourns 29 killed in Niger boat mishap

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has expressed grief over the boat accident in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which reportedly claimed at least 29 lives.

The tragedy occurred in the Gausawa community, Malale Ward, Niger State, on Monday, when a wooden boat carrying about 90 passengers capsized after colliding with a tree stump. Overloading has been cited as a possible cause of the mishap. Women and children were among the victims.

In a condolence message posted on X on Thursday, Atiku described the accident as “a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety in our waterways.

“Reports indicate that the boat, which was carrying about 90 passengers including women and children, collided with a tree stump, with overloading cited as a possible cause of the mishap. This unfortunate incident highlights the recurring risks associated with water transportation in our riverine communities,” he wrote.

Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, said boat travel had become an indispensable means of transportation for many Nigerians, particularly in riverine states, but warned that the lack of infrastructure and enforcement of safety standards continued to put lives at risk.

Overloading must be discouraged, capacities strictly adhered to, and the provision of life jackets made compulsory. The cost of safety is far cheaper than the cost of lives cut short in preventable tragedies,” he added.

In a condolence message posted on X on Thursday, Atiku described the accident as “a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety in our waterways.

“Reports indicate that the boat, which was carrying about 90 passengers including women and children, collided with a tree stump, with overloading cited as a possible cause of the mishap. This unfortunate incident highlights the recurring risks associated with water transportation in our riverine communities,” he wrote.

Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, said boat travel had become an indispensable means of transportation for many Nigerians, particularly in riverine states, but warned that the lack of infrastructure and enforcement of safety standards continued to put lives at risk.

“Overloading must be discouraged, capacities strictly adhered to, and the provision of life jackets made compulsory. The cost of safety is far cheaper than the cost of lives cut short in preventable tragedies,”

He extended condolences to the families of the victims, the Gausawa community, and the government of Niger State.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the Gausawa community, and the government and people of Niger State. May the Almighty grant comfort to the bereaved and eternal rest to those who lost their lives,” he said.

Boat accidents remain common across Nigeria’s inland waterways, where poor regulation, lack of safety gear, night travel and overcrowding have led to frequent mass casualties.

In September 2023, at least 26 people were killed in Mokwa Local Government of Niger State when an overloaded boat sank. Similar accidents have been recorded in Kebbi, Kwara, Anambra and Lagos states in recent years.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency said rescue efforts were ongoing in Gausawa, with several passengers still unaccounted for. Local divers and community volunteers have joined in the search.

The latest tragedy has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of safety rules on waterways, particularly as economic hardship pushes more rural communities to rely on makeshift boats for trade and travel.

Atiku’s intervention adds to the growing pressure on authorities to invest in water transport infrastructure, improve monitoring, and provide life-saving equipment to prevent further disasters.