How 37 Traders Died in Kwara’s Boat Mishap * Recovered bodies buried in Niger state
By Bamidele Aremu
The community of Gbajibo-Mudi in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State were on Thursday thrown into mourning as no fewer than 37 traders died in a boat mishap in the community river.
This comes barely seven months after a similar tragedy in the state claimed over 106 lives.
The traders according to eyewitnesses, were returning from a weekly market in Niger state on Thursday when the accident occurred at approximately 6:00 pm and it was reportedly caused by overloading.
According to a community member, the boat was carrying about 150 passengers when it capsized mid-river.
“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 community member disclosed.
However,the Chief press secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, reacting to the incident said the boat mishap happened in Niger state territory and not in Kwara, adding that all the 37 bodies recovered from the river were buried in Niger state.
Ajakaye spoke to Punch newspaper
“The accident happened on Thursday evening while the traders who came to trade in Gbajigbo Mudi were returning home. It happened in Niger state, and all the victims’ bodies recovered from the river were buried in Niger state. That was the reason we kept silent on it, “Ajakaye said
The lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Saidu Baba, also confirmed the incident saying, “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 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 further.
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, also stressed the need for intensified awareness campaigns to ensure that passengers and boat operators comply with water travel safety protocols going forward.
