Tragedy struck in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State when a boat overloaded with more than 200 bags of rice capsized around 9 p.m. amid a violent windstorm, leaving three people feared drowned. Among the victims are two family members believed to be siblings, who reportedly owned most of the rice cargo being transported from Lapai to Lokoja, Kogi State, for sale. The boat was said to have been fully packed with rice bags, occupying all available space, which contributed to its instability during the sudden storm.
Eyewitnesses and sources confirm that only three individuals were aboard the boat due to the heavy overloading, and all are presumed dead after the mishap. Rescue efforts have been ongoing, but as of the latest reports, the bodies have not yet been recovered. The Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Hussaini Ibrahim, stated that the agency was still gathering details and would issue an official statement soon.
This incident adds to the growing concerns about the safety of inland water transportation in Niger State, where frequent boat accidents have claimed numerous lives in recent months. Overloading, poor weather conditions, and inadequate safety measures continue to pose serious risks to commuters and traders who rely on waterways for transportation in the region. Authorities have yet to provide further updates as the search for the missing victims continues.
