At least 25 killed in boat tragedy near Gumu amid rising insecurity.
At least 25 people are feared dead after a passenger boat capsized near Gumu village, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, while en route to a market on Saturday . The National Emergency Management Agency confirmed the incident as rescue efforts remain challenging.
Authorities report that the presence of armed gangs and bandits in the region has hindered search and recovery operations, highlighting persistent security threats that complicate relief efforts in rural areas.
Boat accidents are frequent during Nigeria’s rainy season, especially in remote regions where vessels are often overcrowded and poorly maintained, and life jackets are rarely used. In 2024 alone, similar incidents claimed at least 326 lives nationwide.
The tragedy underscores the Nigerian government’s dual challenges: improving rural transport safety and tackling escalating bandit violence that endangers communities and emergency responders alike.
I'm Adedayo Obadina
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