Recurring boat accidents in Kwara State have intensified public concerns over the persistent neglect of water transportation safety.

The most recent tragedy occurred on Thursday in Gbajibo community, Kaiama Local Government Area (LGA), claiming 27 lives. According to reports, the accident was caused by overloading, exacerbated by a windstorm following heavy rainfall during the journey. Locals stated the boat was carrying approximately 150 passengers when it capsized mid-river.

This incident follows a similar tragedy in the same community on 1 October 2024, which killed 44 people, and another in September 2023 that claimed 30 lives as victims travelled to their farms.

In Patigi, another part of Kwara State, over 107 people lost their lives when an overloaded boat with about 250 passengers capsized mid-river on June 12, 2024.

Residents said several similar accidents have gone undocumented, with some families completely wiped out.

They attributed the repeated disasters to poor water transport infrastructure, a lack of safety equipment, and a widespread disregard for safety practices, issues that persist despite government interventions.

Reacting to the tragedies, the Makun of Gbajibo, Prince Abdullahi Ibrahim, described the incidents as "one too many."

Survivors recount ordeal

Speaking on the recent tragedy, Tahir Ibrahim, a boat driver in the community involved in the rescue effort, said they struggled to save more passengers and that the lack of swimming skills among many worsened the situation.

Alhaji Musa, a septuagenarian resident, recalled that the weather was clear at departure. However, the rain began shortly after they had set off, taking them by surprise.

Another resident, Hassan Mohammed, told Daily Trust that three of the casualties died about 20 minutes after being brought ashore, raising concerns over the absence of first aid or emergency medical personnel at the scene.

He added, "There were two boats involved, but it was the other one-unaffected-that came to our rescue. The ill-fated boat was carrying around 125 passengers, though it had a capacity of 150 to 200. So, it wasn't overloading per se, but the strong wind from the rain caused it to capsize. The casualties included seven women, about two children, and 18 men."

Why we still use wooden boats - Residents

Residents explained that the lack of sufficient modern fibre boats has left them with no choice but to rely on traditional wooden boats, many of which contribute to accidents by breaking down midstream or allowing water in through damaged areas.

According to Mr Issa Abdullahi, "Some wooden boats get damaged and start leaking, which is dangerous and could cause the boat to sink."

He noted, however, that while the government has provided some fibre boats, they remain grossly insufficient for the population's needs.

The councillor representing Adena Ward in the Kwara axis of Gbajibo, Abdullahi Oladimeji, also said four elderly men, above 70 years, who participated in the rescue efforts, none wore life jackets.

The Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) also donated two additional fibre boats, he added.

"To curb the trend, we have now banned water travel after 6pm and set up a seven-man committee to monitor enforcement. We discovered that most accidents usually occur in the evening," Baba said.

He also said the resistance to safety practices remains a major challenge.

"The problem is that many of the victims are illiterate and don't believe in wearing life jackets. So, we have involved the police to ensure compliance. Without a life jacket, no one will be allowed to board," he said.

'Passengers treating life jackets as optional'

The area manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for Niger and Kwara, Adeboye Akapo, who has since relocated to Gbajibo, confirmed the incident occurred on May 8, 2025, at Farin Dutse while the boat was returning from Tuganboro, Gbajibo Mudi in Niger State.

He attributed the mishap to a natural windstorm but blamed the boat operator for failing to pause the journey despite worsening weather condition.

"Telling the people to abandon their wooden boats for fibre ones is a gradual process and an expensive venture. You have to be cautious when dealing with local communities because of their mindset and worldview," Akapo said.

He faulted how many passengers still treat life jackets as optional, saying, "When we visited the Mokwa waterfront, we saw passengers disembarking without life jackets-even though they had carried them in bundles. When we asked why they didn't wear them, there was no answer."

He warned that the authorities may consider sealing the corridor to drive home the seriousness of the situation.

"We're also training them on engine repairs in case boats break down mid-river. Most of them lack this skill, so we brought in an expert from Abuja," added.

According to him, 57 people were on the ill-fated boat. Of these, 23 were confirmed dead, 20 were rescued with help from NIWA marshals, and four are still missing. Among the casualties were children, prompting NIWA to begin supplying child-sized life jackets in addition to adult ones.

He also acknowledged that casualty figures are sometimes exaggerated in such situations, but said, "When we arrived, only about 10 corpses had been buried."

Akapo explained that the driver had attempted to beat the storm and dock in time but was caught midstream. The boat was flung into another that was parked at the bay, leading to the fatal accident.

Security agents hunt for fleeing boat driver

The boat driver survived the accident but fled the scene. Security agents and local vigilantes have launched a manhunt for his arrest and possible prosecution, as a deterrent to others.

To improve safety, authorities are now encouraging boat operators to form cooperative associations to jointly acquire fibre boats and phase out the unsafe wooden vessels.

According to Akapo, some boat owners are already showing interest, and discussions are ongoing with their leader, Alhaji Jarere.

A final challenge, he noted, is the improper use of life jackets. "Some use them as pillows or take them to farm. But we're making them understand that life is precious-no life jacket, no travel."

Officials of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) who spoke to Daily Trust in Il?rin said there is a need for the government to carry out massive sensitisation to enlighten the people on the need to prioritise the use of life jackets. "They don't see it as compulsory because the boat passengers are illiterates," one of them said.

Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has commiserated with the families of the victims and the government of Niger State over the tragic incident.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

He once again urged boat operators and passengers to strictly adhere to safety regulations for the collective well-being of all. He described as both painful and unacceptable the recurring culture of ignoring life-saving gadgets, despite repeated provision by the government.