Tragedy struck in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday as a boat carrying an unknown number of passengers and goods capsized en route to the Kwata Zumba Market. Many passengers are feared dead, according to officials.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency said rescue efforts were underway to determine the total number of casualties.
The agency’s Director of Information and Special Duties, Ibrahim Hussaini, disclosed that the mishap occurred mid-river, leaving only a few survivors, including the boat operator.
“We received a report about a boat accident yesterday,” Hussaini said in a statement issued Sunday.
“The boat was loaded with goods and an unspecified number of passengers heading to the Kwata Zumba Market before it overturned mid-way. While some people were rescued, one of them is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Kuta.”
He added that search and rescue operations were ongoing and being conducted in collaboration with local divers and volunteers.
Although the exact number of fatalities remains unclear, this latest tragedy adds to a growing list of boat mishaps in the region.
In November 2024, at least 27 people lost their lives in a similar incident on the River Niger. That boat, carrying about 200 people from Kogi State to a food market in Niger State, capsized late at night.
“These accidents are becoming far too common,” Hussaini said. “We urgently need stricter enforcement of safety measures on our waterways.”
Over the years, Nigeria has witnessed multiple boat disasters, often attributed to overloading, poor vessel maintenance, and lack of safety equipment.
In October 2024, another fatal incident saw dozens drown when a boat carrying over 300 passengers capsized on the same river.
In a separate tragedy in 2023, 29 schoolchildren drowned while collecting firewood.
The National Inland Waterways Authority has repeatedly warned against night-time sailing and overloading of boats.
Despite regulations, enforcement remains a challenge, especially in remote areas where water transport is a necessity due to poor road access and security concerns.
“The River Niger is a vital trade route for thousands of Nigerians, but it must not continue to be a death trap,” said a community leader in Shiroro, who urged the government to invest in safer transportation alternatives.
