On October 7, an estimated 85 people were aboard the overloaded boat when it capsized due to flooding on the Niger River.
Nigeria: President Muhammadu Buhari said on October 9 that a boat capsized in a flood-swollen river in Nigeria’s Anambra state, killing almost everyone on board.
On October 7, an estimated 85 people were aboard the overloaded boat when it capsized due to flooding on the Niger River.
“The boat reportedly carrying 85 people capsized due to rising floods in the Ogbaru area of the state, with emergency services confirming a death toll of 76,” President Buhari’s office said.
He directed the emergency services to assist the victims.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for everyone’s safety, as well as the well-being of the victims’ family members,” he added.
Earlier on October 9, emergency services reported rising water levels impeding rescue efforts.
“The water level is very high and too risky for a smooth search and rescue operation,” Thickman Tanimu, the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) southeast coordinator, told AFP.
The flooding, he said, was the worst the country had seen in years, with the water level roughly one-tenth higher than a decade ago.
NEMA requested helicopters from the Nigerian Air Force for the rescue operation.
Anambra state governor Charles Soludo urged flood-affected residents to relocate, adding that the government would assist those affected by the disaster.
“This development is still a shock to the government and good people of Anambra State. I sympathise with the families of people involved,” In a statement, Mr Soludo said.
Boat accidents are common in Nigeria due to overloading, speeding, poor maintenance, and disregard for navigation rules.
Floods have devastated many regions of the West African nation, of more than 200 million people since the start of the rainy season.
According to emergency services, more than 300 people have been killed, and at least 100,000 have been displaced.
The constant rain has washed away farmland and crops, raising concerns about food shortages, famine, and hunger in a country already dealing with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war.
