27 Traders die in Kwara after boat accident

No fewer than 27 traders have died after a boat capsized on a river in Gbajibo community, Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State.

The victims were said to have been returning from a market in neighbouring Niger State on Saturday night when their boat capsized.

Although, the actual number of passengers on board before the accident occurred could not be ascertained, sources said that the boat was overloaded with about 100 passengers

It was gathered that an some passengers survived the boat accident.

It was further learnt that the incident happened as a result of overloading coupled with strong winds from an approaching storm.

The Chairman of the Kaiama LGA, Abdullah Danladi, who confirmed the incident on Sunday, said he had visited the bereaved families in company with other government officials.

Danladi condemned the recurring nature of such incidents and announced plans to form a committee tasked with enforcing safety regulations, including mandatory life jackets and a ban on night travel.

The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Umar, called for consistent awareness campaigns to ensure compliance with safety standard among boat passengers and operators.