Many passengers are feared dead following a boat accident in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred on Saturday, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed. According to NSEMA’s Director of Information and Special Duties, Ibrahim Hussaini, the boat—carrying an unspecified number of passengers and goods to Kwata Zumba Market—capsized mid-river.
The boat operator and a few passengers were rescued, with one currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Kuta. However, the total number of casualties remains unknown as search and rescue operations continue.
“The agency received a report of a boat mishap which occurred yesterday. A boat loaded with commodities and an unknown number of passengers heading to Kwata Zumba Market capsized along the route,” the statement said.
The rescue operation is being conducted by NSEMA in collaboration with local divers and volunteers.
Unfortunately, such river accidents are common in Nigeria. In recent years, similar tragedies have occurred. In November 2024, at least 27 people died when a boat capsized on the Niger River, carrying about 200 passengers from Kogi State to Niger State’s food market. In October 2024, dozens were feared dead after a boat ferrying over 300 passengers overturned on the River Niger. In December 2023, 76 people drowned when their boat sank during flooding in Anambra State. Additionally, in 2023, 29 children drowned in the Niger River while collecting firewood.
Due to poor road infrastructure and security concerns such as kidnappings, river transport remains common for trade and travel. The Niger River, West Africa’s main waterway, is a vital trade route but also poses significant risks.
Nigeria’s National Inland Waterways Authority has banned night-time sailing to reduce accidents and criminalizes overloading. However, these rules are frequently ignored by boat operators.
