Boat Mishap Claims 37 Lives In Kwara State
LAGOS MAY 18TH (NEWSRANGERS)-A tragic boat mishap in the Gbajibo-Mudi community of Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State has claimed 37 lives.
The incident which occurred on Thursday around 6:00 p.m. was reportedly caused by overloading.
This comes barely seven months after a similar tragedy in the state claimed over 106 lives.
According to a community member, the boat was carrying about 150 passengers when it capsized mid-river.
The victims were said to be returning home from the market at the time of the incident.
“Strong winds from an approaching storm contributed to the mishap. The boat, which was carrying men, women, and children, was filled far beyond its capacity. Thirty-seven people lost their lives, 49 were rescued, and the rest managed to swim to safety,” the source added.
Speaking to Daily Trust on Sunday, the lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Saidu Baba, confirmed the incident.
“We visited the community on Saturday to commiserate with them, along with the Emir of the area, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Council Chairman,” he said.
He explained that the incident occurred during the victims’ return journey and was triggered by heavy rain accompanied by strong winds.
“Two villages—Tungamaje and Gelewa—were affected. The Imam of Tungamaje told us that about 27 people died, including seven women and two children”, he stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kaiama LGA, Abdullah Danladi, said the government would no longer tolerate the almost yearly recurrence of such tragedies.
He announced plans to establish a committee to enforce safety measures, including mandatory use of life jackets, prohibition of night travel, and stricter regulation of water transport.
The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Umar, stressed the need for intensified awareness campaigns to ensure that passengers and boat operators comply with water travel safety protocols going forward.
DailyTrust
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Posted by News Rangers
on May 18 2025. Filed under National.
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