The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) announced on Wednesday that it had rescued 100 passengers from a boating accident in Niger State.
In a statement released to the leadership, NIWA management said the accident involved a wooden boat with approximately 200 passengers on board.
According to the statement, the boat was sailing from Gbajibo Mudi towards New Gbajibo at around 8.30pm on Tuesday night when it suddenly capsized.
However, NIWA management expressed disappointment over the latest incident despite the authorities’ efforts to reduce such incidents.
“NIWA has described the recent boating accident in Niger State as unfortunate in its efforts to reduce such accidents. contained in the statement.
“Management has confirmed that the wooden boat carrying around 200 passengers suddenly capsized at around 8.30pm in the evening while sailing from Gbajibo Mudi towards New Gbajibo.
“According to NIWA, preliminary findings suggest that the accident may have been due to overloading of the passenger ship.” He said more than 100 passengers were rescued from various locations.
However, authorities reiterated that the ban on night navigation and overloading in inland waters remains in place.
“The authorities therefore warn boat operators to desist from flouting safety regulations such as the prohibition of night navigation and overloading of boats,” it added.
