Atiku Mourns Niger Boat Tragedy, Calls for Stronger Waterway Safety Measures

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the boat accident in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which claimed at least 29 lives. The tragic incident occurred on Monday in the Gausawa community, Malale Ward, when a wooden boat carrying about 90 passengers capsized after hitting a tree stump. Overloading has been identified as a likely cause, with women and children among the victims.

In a condolence message shared on X, Atiku described the mishap as “a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety in our waterways.” He noted that recurring accidents of this nature expose the dangers faced by Nigerians who rely on boat travel in riverine communities.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party emphasized that boat transportation has become indispensable in many parts of the country. However, he stressed that poor infrastructure, weak enforcement of safety regulations, and disregard for capacity limits continue to endanger lives.

Atiku called for strict adherence to passenger limits, mandatory use of life jackets, and stronger oversight of water transport. He warned that “the cost of safety is far cheaper than the cost of lives cut short in preventable tragedies,” urging authorities to prioritize investment in infrastructure and safety equipment to avert future disasters.