Kehinde Fajobi
Five people have died, 20 are missing, and six others are hospitalised after a boat accident in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The Delta State Police Command spokesman, Edafe Bright, confirmed the incident.
He stated, “The six injured persons are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Warri.”
The tragedy occurred when two speedboats, carrying family members returning from a burial ceremony, collided.
The impact caused both boats to capsize, throwing passengers—many of whom were not wearing life jackets—into the water.
Boat accidents have become a recurring tragedy in Nigeria.
In October, a boat overloaded with over 300 passengers capsized on the Gbajibo River in Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State, killing dozens. The victims were travelling for the annual Maulud celebration.
Similarly, in September 2023, 24 people died in Niger State when a boat ferrying more than 50 passengers capsized.
The victims were heading to farms for harvest when the incident occurred.