At least 27 people have lost their lives in a boat accident in the Gbajibo community, located in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
This tragic event comes less than seven months after a similar mishap in the same area claimed over 100 lives.
Reports indicate that the victims were returning from a market in neighboring Niger State when their boat capsized. According to a survivor, the incident occurred three nights ago and was caused by overloading, compounded by strong winds from an approaching storm. The exact number of passengers on board remains unconfirmed.
In response, the Chairman of Kaiama LGA, Abdullah Danladi, led a government delegation to visit the bereaved families. He condemned the recurring nature of such incidents and announced plans to form a committee tasked with enforcing safety regulations, including mandatory life jackets and a ban on night travel.
The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Umar, also emphasized the need for increased awareness campaigns to ensure compliance with safety standards among boat passengers and operators.
In a similar tragedy last October, more than 60 people—mostly women and children—died in another boat accident in Gbajibo. That vessel, designed for 100 passengers, was reportedly carrying around 300 when it capsized.
Following that incident, President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences and instructed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate the surge in boat accidents and develop strategies to prevent further occurrences.