A tragic accident occurred on November 29, 2024, when a boat capsized in the Niger River in central Nigeria, resulting in at least 27 fatalities and over 100 injuries, according to authorities.
Search operations are ongoing to locate survivors or bodies, as confirmed by Sandra Musa from the national emergency management agency. The causes of the accident remain undetermined, but possibilities include turbulent waters or a collision with an obstacle.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of disasters in this section of the Niger River. The capsizing took place near Dambo in Kogi State, where the vessel was primarily carrying traders from the Missa community heading to a weekly market in neighboring Niger. Authorities noted that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets, significantly increasing the risk of fatalities.