Overloaded boat capsizes in Nigeria’s Kwara, killing 37

At least 37 people, most of them traders, have died in a devastating boat accident in the Gbajibo-Mudi community of Nigeria’s Kwara State.

The incident occurred as the victims were returning from a weekly market in neighboring Niger State, Caliber.Az reports per Nigeria’s independent online newspapper.

The overloaded boat, designed to carry no more than 100 passengers, capsized around 6 p.m. (GMT+1) on the Niger River. Eyewitnesses and local officials report that both overloading and high water levels contributed to the tragedy. Mahmoud Gbajibo, former chairman of the local government, confirmed the accident and the scale of the loss.

“The boat accident occurred at about 6 p.m. The traders closed from the market in Gbajigbo Mudi and were returning to their various communities in Niger State when the tragic incident occurred,” he said. He added that a community-led rescue effort managed to recover 37 bodies from the river, while others were pulled out alive. 

“The cause of the accident can be attributed to overloading of the boat, while the water volume also contributed to it,” Gbajibo explained. In the aftermath of the incident, local authorities, including the chairman of the local government and the Emir of Kaiama, visited the affected community to offer condolences. “Right now, the chairman of the local government and the Emir of Kaiama are in Gbajigbo Mudi community to sympathise with the people,” Gbajibo said. 

This marks the second major boat disaster in the community in recent memory. Just last year, another vessel carrying over 200 passengers capsized in the same area, raising ongoing concerns over river transport safety and enforcement of regulations. Search and rescue efforts continue, as the community mourns yet another tragic loss on the Niger River.

By Naila Huseynova