Heartbreaking Stories Emerge from Nigeria’s Tragic River Niger Boat Accident
A survivor of the devastating boat accident in River Niger, Nigeria, which claimed the lives of 106 people, has shared a heartbreaking account of how many women lost their lives while attempting to save their children.
The tragedy occurred when a portion of the vessel collapsed, causing the boat to capsize and flood with water, as confirmed by the police.
Local rescue teams reported that 144 individuals managed to survive the harrowing incident.
The highest number of casualties occurred in a village within the Patigi local government area of Kwara state, where 61 people, predominantly women, and children, tragically lost their lives, according to local residents.
Mohammed Alhassan, a survivor, recounted the heartbreaking sacrifice made by women who refused to abandon their children, leading to their tragic deaths. He shared the painful story of his sister, who survived the accident but lost her seven-year-old son.
Aisha Mohammed, another bereaved mother, mourned the loss of her three grown daughters, who had promising futures ahead of them as they were about to be married.
Other survivors also recounted the devastating scenes of fathers desperately clinging to their children, unable to rescue them all as they made their way to shore.
Amidst the sorrow, concerns about safety have been raised, as many passengers did not have access to life jackets. Overloaded boats are a common sight, and travelers often neglect basic safety precautions.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize safety measures and raise awareness about the potential dangers associated with water transportation in Nigeria.
