’25 feared dead’ as yet another boat capsizes in Niger state

At least 25 people have reportedly died after a boat conveying traders and goods capsized in Gunu village,  Shiroro LGA of Niger state. 

According to Ibrahim Hussaini, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) director of information, the incident happened at about 11:45 am on Saturday.

The passengers were travelling to Kwata, Zumba Market.

Hussaini said the boat operator and a few passengers were rescued, with one person currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Kuta.

He said the exact number of casualties could not yet be confirmed as search and rescue operations were still ongoing, though media reports estimate at least 25 passengers, including a family of ten, died in the incident.

Hussaini added that the rescue operation is being conducted by NSEMA desk officers in collaboration with local divers and volunteers.

Meanwhile, the incident comes a few days after the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) launched a campaign tagged, “No life jacket, no boarding” to increase waterways safety and mitigate the incessant boat accidents in riverine communities in the state.

None of the passengers in Saturday’s incident were reportedly wearing a life jacket.

In April, 37 people were reported dead after a passenger board suffered a mishap on the River Niger.

Earlier in the month, NSEMA said emergency disasters claimed more than 500 lives between September 2024 and May 2025 in the state.