The Kwara State Government has called on boat operators and passengers to strictly follow safety guidelines after a tragic boat accident claimed the lives of 37 traders last Thursday on the Gbajibo River. The government clarified that the incident occurred in Niger State, not Kwara.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, describing the loss as painful and avoidable. He urged the public to use safety gear, often provided by the government but frequently ignored. “This culture of neglecting safety measures is unacceptable,” the governor said.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, explained in a phone interview that the victims were traders returning from the Gbajigbo Mudi market in Niger State. “The accident happened in Niger State, and the victims were also buried there,” he noted.
Local sources reported that the boat was overloaded, carrying more than its recommended capacity of 100 passengers. The situation worsened due to the river’s high water level, which had caused flooding.
Former Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Mahmoud Salihu, confirmed the incident and said 37 bodies were recovered, with several others rescued. He attributed the accident to overloading and rising water levels.
The current Chairman of Kaiama, Abubakar Abdullahi and the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar, visited the affected community to offer condolences and support.
Efforts to get a response from the Niger State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to officials went unanswered.
This is not the first such tragedy in the area. A similar boat accident occurred in October 2024 in the same Gbajibo River, resulting in the deaths of over 200 people returning from a religious celebration.