Nigeria Boat Capsize: 52 Dead, New Tragedy

The number of dead following the ferry tragedy in northwest Nigeria has risen to 52, with the majority being children, according to Sokoto state officials.

The overcrowded boat capsized while ferrying farmers and workers bound for rice farms in Gorau town of the Goronyo Local Government Area. Rescue and recovery teams continued their operation as officials tried to determine the total number of passengers who died.

Death Toll Rises; Recovery Operation Goes On

The death toll from the boat accident was raised to 52 people on Friday.

Tukur Abubakar, head of operations at National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said officials were planning to hold talks with the local government in order to help identify the victims.

“At least 40 of them are children,” Abdulkadir Yusuf, area manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, said.

Nasiru Adamu, who is a local politician, stated that most of the passengers were aged between 10 and 15 years.

The exact number of people on board the ferry is yet to be known, but according to the residents, the boat could have been transporting more than 70 people before the disaster.

Ferry Had Farmers Travelling to Rice Farms

According to locals, the boat had farmers and other workers using the waterway while on their way to farming fields during the rainy season.

The residents further say that this path is always used by people going to the farms, mostly women and children, who work on the farms.

The 13-year-old granddaughter of Samaila Garba was one of the victims of the tragic incident, according to the man who told the Associated Press.

Another resident, Aminu Dan Hajiya, said that he usually uses this route to go to his farm.

“Most households in this area have been affected,” he said.

Dozens of victims have been recorded from this tragedy, with many of them being buried already.

Dozens of Victims Buried

Dozens of victims of the ferry mishap had been buried in Gorau according to a former councillor there.

Emergency authorities at the scene were assessing the situation and trying to figure out how many passengers were on board when the boat tipped over.

The death of so many children has increased the worries of safety for communities using boats to travel to farms and elsewhere.

Why Boat Accidents Are Frequent in Nigeria

Boat accidents have been frequent occurrences in Nigeria’s rivers and water bodies.

Overloading, boat maintenance problems, and lack of safety compliance are some of the issues that result in fatal accidents.

This latest tragedy comes after other accidents that have occurred in the country.

Just in January, at least 26 people drowned when a boat transporting farmers and fishermen from Jigawa to Yobe states capsized.

Another tragedy in Jigawa state that occurred last month left at least five people dead.

Communities Have Risks When It Rains

This particular incident sheds light on the risks communities that depend on waterways have, especially during the rainy season in Nigeria.

To farming communities, the boats help them move between the villages and farmland. However, overcrowding and the lack of alternative transport means make them at risk.

They noted that women and children often visit farms during the rainy season, hence the high chance of them being exposed to the dangers on the water.

The authorities will have to investigate to establish how many people were on board, why the capsizing occurred, and if any regulations were broken.