The National Inland Waterways Authority has described the recent boat mishap in Niger state as unfortunate amidst her increasing efforts to reduce such incidents. This was contained in a preliminary statement issued on the sad event by the Authority earlier today.
The management confirmed that the accident involving a wooden boat with about 200 passengers on board was travelling from Gbajibo Mudi to New Gbajibo at about 8:30pm. in the night when it suddenly capsized. According to NIWA, preliminary findings show that the incident might be due to the overloading of the passenger boat.
While the Authority maintained that rescue efforts are still ongoing, it said that as of the last count, it has rescued more than 100 passengers from different parts of the channel.
The Authority therefore warns boat operators to desist from flouting safety rules, including ban on night travel and overloading of boats.