29 dead as another in boat mishap in Niger state

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has reported that not fewer than 29 passengers lost their lives in a boat capsize, in Borgu LGA of the state.

According to a statement by NSEMA director-general, Abdullah Arah, the boat was conveying about 90 passengers when it capsized on Tuesday around the stroke of 11:30 am at Gausawa, in Malale ward.

The NSEMA DG who disclosed that 50 people were rescued while two were still missing as of press time, regretted that the capsize was as a result of overloading.

Arah said the vessel had taken off from Tungan Sule in Shagunu ward and was heading to Dugga community for a condolence visit when it reportedly collided with a tree stump.

Hear him:
“As of the time of this report, 29 bodies have been recovered. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to recover the missing persons,”the statement reads.

“Overloading and collision with the tree stump are believed to be the causes of the mishap,” he said.

The incident adds to a string of fatal boat accidents in the state, marking the second major mishap on its waterways since July

It will be recalled that on July 27, 25 people lost their lives after a boat conveying traders and goods capsized in Gunu village, Shiroro LGA of the state.

Between September 2024 and July 2025, no fewer than 90 people lost their lives in similar mishaps across Shiroro, Mokwa, Katcha and Lapai LGAs.