The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has conducted preliminary investigations into the Kwara boat tragedy, revealing crucial details about the incident.
According to the findings, the vessel was severely overloaded, carrying over 250 passengers along with their luggage.
Disturbingly, the passengers were not wearing life jackets despite the risky nature of their journey, which took place in the middle of the night around 2:30 am.
Tragically, the boat accident resulted in 107 fatalities in the Patigi Local Government area of Kwara State last Monday, while 146 individuals narrowly escaped death. Dr. George Moghalu, the Managing Director of NIWA, spoke to the press in Ilorin after leading a delegation to assess the situation in Patigi communities.
Moghalu assured that those responsible for the incident would face punishment as the investigation progresses. He also highlighted past cases where boat operators had faced legal consequences, including arrests, imprisonment, and the confiscation or destruction of their vessels, particularly when they were deemed unfit for river travel.
Expressing concern, he pointed out that not all vessel operators were licensed or registered, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to register them in order to ensure the safety of waterways.
In relation to the Kwara boat mishap, Moghalu shared some initial findings. He mentioned that the incident occurred on a rainy night accompanied by strong winds. The rain, coupled with the elevated water level, and the force of the wind caused the boat to collide with a tree.
However, he clarified that these findings were preliminary and ongoing investigations aimed to uncover more details and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The investigation also revealed a significant pattern: 90 percent of water accidents occur either during the night or in the early hours of the morning. Moghalu pointed out that most vessels involved in these accidents lack the necessary night navigational aids, making their journeys highly risky.
Additionally, he stressed that the vessel involved in the tragedy was carrying five times the recommended number of passengers. To enforce standardized procedures and ensure security, NIWA plans to employ local enforcement agents, primarily comprised of young individuals.
Furthermore, an environmental impact assessment team will be dispatched to the area to evaluate the need for constructing a jetty or ramp to improve transportation. Moghalu reiterated NIWA’s responsibility to guarantee the security and safety of the people.
Moghalu also conveyed important messages to the public. He emphasized that vessel operations are prohibited after 6:00 pm and that passengers must wear life jackets before boarding. Overloading of vessels is strictly prohibited as well.
NIWA intends to use various channels, such as local media, traditional and religious institutions, and community stakeholders, to disseminate these messages effectively. Moreover, the organization plans to continue training operators to ensure standardized operations nationwide.
Moghalu acknowledged that NIWA shares the grief of those affected by the tragedy, considering the deaths as avoidable. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the incident and has ordered a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances and prevent future recurrences.
