Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic boat accident in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which reportedly claimed the lives of at least 27 people.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened at about 11:49 a.m. on Tuesday, while the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) rescue team arrived at the scene at about 1:33 p.m.
The wooden boat, which was reportedly carrying 138 passengers, capsized along the Shagunu–Dunga axis on Kainji Lake.
In a condolence message posted on X on Thursday, Atiku described the accident as “a painful reminder of the urgent need to enhance safety measures on our waterways.”
“Reports indicate that the boat, which was carrying about 90 passengers including women and children, collided with a tree stump, with overloading cited as a possible cause of the mishap. This unfortunate incident highlights the recurring risks associated with water transportation in our riverine communities.