A survivor of the Kwara Boat Accident recounts the horrifying experience that claimed over 30 lives.
Discover what went wrong and why urgent action is needed to prevent future disasters.
When a Routine Trip Turned Tragic
On a gloomy morning in May 2025, the quiet town of Gbajibo in Kwara State was shattered by an avoidable tragedy.
What should have been a normal boat ride from the market ended in disaster as an overloaded vessel capsized in the Gbajibo River, killing more than 37 people.
Salihu Mudassir, one of the few who lived to tell the tale, offered chilling details that highlight the dangers millions of Nigerians face on waterways every day.
“We Were Too Many But Nobody Stopped Us”
Salihu, a farmer and resident of Mudi village, remembered the uneasy moments before departure.
Despite heavy rain and strong warnings from some passengers, the boat crew ignored safety concerns.
“We knew the boat was too full,” Salihu said. “Some of us wanted to wait. But others pushed to go. And we did.”
Unfortunately, that decision proved deadly. The boat, built to carry 80 people, was loaded with over 100 plus bags of produce, livestock, and children.
Storm, Panic, and Chaos
Shortly after departure, heavy waves began to rock the boat. Rain pounded harder. Water started pouring in.
“At first, people stayed calm,” Salihu said. “Then the boat tilted. Panic broke out. People screamed. Some started jumping.”
Crucially, no one had life jackets. In fact, many had never worn one before.
“You could see fear everywhere. It was chaos,” he added.
Struggling to Stay Alive
As the boat began to sink, Salihu jumped into the river. But swimming wasn’t easy. He could barely stay afloat amid the panic.
“You try to swim. Then someone grabs you, dragging you down,” he explained. “Many drowned like that. They couldn’t fight the water and the fear.”
Salihu stayed calm, avoided the struggling crowd, and swam toward a tree near the riverbank. That tree saved his life.
Rescue Came Too Late
Shockingly, the boat capsized just minutes from the village shore. People nearby heard the cries for help but thought it was music or a celebration.
“They thought we were singing,” Salihu said, shaking his head. “By the time help arrived, most had already drowned.”
This delay highlights a major gap in emergency awareness and response in many rural communities.
An Entire Community Devastated
Back in Gbajibo, grief hung in the air. Families buried their dead sometimes entire households.
“Children, mothers, neighbors gone,” Salihu said. “We lost people who meant everything to us.”
Beyond the emotional toll, the village also lost key breadwinners, which worsened the poverty already gripping the area.
Common Causes of Boat Disasters in Nigeria
The Kwara Boat Accident isn’t isolated. Similar disasters happen frequently in states like Niger, Anambra, Lagos, and Taraba. So, why do these accidents continue?
Overloading: Boats regularly carry more passengers than allowed.
Lack of regulation: Authorities rarely enforce safety rules.
No life jackets: Most boats don’t provide them or passengers refuse to wear them.
Poor weather awareness: Many operators ignore weather warnings.
Inadequate rescue services: Emergency responses are slow or unavailable.
These problems remain unaddressed despite repeated losses.
Empty Promises from Authorities?
After the tragedy, government officials promised investigations and safety reforms. However, many locals remain doubtful.
“We’ve heard this before,” said Salihu. “They talk, but nothing changes. We still have no life jackets. No patrols. No punishment for careless operators.”
His frustration reflects a national pattern of lip service without real solutions.
Survivors Left With Invisible Wounds
While Salihu made it out alive, he hasn’t been the same. Nightmares, guilt, and fear follow him daily.
“Some nights, I don’t sleep,” he confessed. “I see their faces. I hear the screams.”
Sadly, rural communities like Gbajibo lack access to trauma counseling or support for survivors.
What Can Be Done Now?
To prevent future tragedies, both government and individuals must act. Here’s what needs to happen immediately:
Government Responsibilities:
Enforce strict safety checks on water transport.
Provide life jackets for all passengers.
Launch weather alert systems in rural areas.
Establish rapid response rescue units.
Passenger Safety Tips:
Never board overloaded boats.
Ask for a life jacket and wear it.
Check weather forecasts before traveling.
Learn basic swimming and survival skills.
These steps won’t stop every disaster, but they can save countless lives.
A Survivor’s Message to the Nation
As Salihu looked across the river that nearly claimed his life, he made one final plea:
“Don’t wait until more people die. Fix this now. Boats should be safe. Our lives matter.”
His message is clear. Action is no longer optional. It is urgent.
Final Thoughts
The Kwara Boat Accident exposed the deep flaws in Nigeria’s water transport system. Until these gaps are closed, more lives will be lost.
We must demand change not tomorrow, but today.
What do you think? Should river transport be banned until safety improves? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Author: Zainab Musa
Date: May 25, 2025
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