Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed sorrow over the boat accident in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State that claimed at least 60 lives. The wooden boat, carrying about 138 passengers, capsized on Tuesday along the Shagunu–Dunga axis of Kainji Lake.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 11:49 a.m. when the vessel struck a tree stump. Officials of the National Inland Waterways Authority arrived nearly two hours later, confirming overloading as a likely cause. Women and children were among the victims.
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In a condolence message on X, Atiku described the tragedy as a reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety protocols on Nigeria’s waterways. He urged authorities to enforce strict capacity limits, provide life jackets, and improve infrastructure to prevent further loss of lives.
Atiku extended condolences to the bereaved families, the Gausawa community, and the Niger State government. He called on the authorities to prioritise investment in water transportation safety and public awareness campaigns, warning that such tragedies must not be allowed to continue.
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