Tragic Boat Accident Claims At Least 25 Lives in Niger State, Nigeria
A devastating boat accident on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, has resulted in the confirmed deaths of at least 25 people. Many more are feared missing following the capsizing of a passenger boat. This tragedy underscores persistent safety concerns on Nigeria's inland waterways.
Details of the Incident:
Casualties: Initial reports from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and local authorities confirm at least 25 fatalities. Disturbingly, one family has reported losing 10 members in the accident, while another family is still searching for five missing relatives. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Time and Location: The incident occurred around 11:45 AM on Saturday, July 26th. The boat capsized mid-river in the Guni community of Shiroro LGA. Passengers were en route from Guni village in Munya Local Government Area to the Kwata-Zumba weekly market in Shiroro LGA.
Cause: Eyewitnesses and initial investigations indicate that the wooden boat capsized after striking a submerged tree log in the river. Reports suggest the boat may also have been overloaded with both passengers and goods.
Passengers: The boat was carrying an unspecified number of passengers and a significant quantity of goods, primarily marketgoers and traders. The absence of a passenger manifest by the boat operator has complicated efforts to ascertain the exact number of people on board and the number missing.
Rescue Efforts: The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) immediately deployed officials, local divers, and community volunteers to the scene. Search and rescue operations are actively ongoing to retrieve bodies and locate potential survivors.
Survivors: The boat operator and a few other passengers were successfully rescued. One individual is currently receiving medical treatment at the General Hospital in Kuta, the headquarters of Shiroro LGA.
Contributing Factors: The prevalent non-use of life jackets by passengers and the lack of strict enforcement of safety regulations for inland water transport are consistently cited as major factors in such frequent tragedies. This accident is particularly poignant as it occurred just days after the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) launched a "No life jacket, no boarding" campaign in Niger State to enhance waterways safety.
Recurring Tragedies: This latest disaster adds to a grim record of deadly boat accidents in Niger State in recent years, highlighting a systemic and persistent issue with water transport safety in the region. Past incidents, often attributed to overloading, poorly maintained vessels, and disregard for safety protocols, have resulted in numerous fatalities.
Local traditional leaders, including the Sarkin Ruwa of Zumba, Umar Isah, have confirmed the tragedy and are assisting with rescue efforts, emphasizing the community's profound loss.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
