Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice-President of Nigeria, has extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic boat accident in Gausawa, Niger State. The accident, which took place on Monday, resulted in the capsizing of a wooden boat carrying about 90 people. The boat collided with a tree stump, and overcrowding is suspected to have contributed to the incident. Among the victims were women and children.
In his message shared on social media, Atiku called the incident a painful reminder of the urgent need to address safety on Nigeria’s waterways. He highlighted that boat travel is a lifeline for many Nigerians, especially in riverine areas, but pointed out that inadequate infrastructure and safety enforcement continue to endanger lives.
Atiku also stressed that measures such as adhering to boat capacity limits and mandatory use of life jackets must be strictly implemented. “It is far more affordable to prioritize safety than to face the devastating cost of lives lost in avoidable accidents,” he said.
The former presidential candidate sent his heartfelt sympathies to the families affected by the tragedy, as well as to the Gausawa community and the government of Niger State. He prayed for comfort for the grieving families and eternal rest for those who perished.
Accidents like this are all too common in Nigeria’s inland waterways, where overcrowding, lack of proper safety equipment, and poor regulation often lead to fatal accidents. This is not the first incident of its kind in Niger State, as a similar tragedy in Mokwa in 2023 claimed 26 lives. Other states such as Kebbi, Kwara, and Anambra have also witnessed deadly boat accidents in recent years.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that rescue operations are still ongoing in the Gausawa area, with some passengers still unaccounted for. Local divers and community members are actively involved in the search efforts, demonstrating the solidarity of the local population.
This incident has once again brought attention to the safety risks of water transportation in Nigeria, especially as more rural communities rely on overcrowded, poorly maintained boats due to economic constraints. Atiku’s call for better safety standards adds to the increasing demand for the government to improve waterway infrastructure, enforce safety regulations, and provide necessary life-saving equipment.
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