At least 25 people have been confirmed dead after a boat carrying traders and goods capsized near Zumba, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
It was gathered that most of the deceased were women and children.
According to Director of Information – Niger State Emergency Management Agency. (NSEMA), Ibrahim Hussain, the incident occurred on Saturday July 26, and the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed.
According to reports -the incident occurred when a wooden passenger boat was said to be transporting traders and goods across the river when it suddenly overturned.
Local authorities and emergency responders are working to recover bodies and search for possible survivors.
The tragic incident occurred few days after the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) launched the life jacket, and safety awareness campaign tagged: “No Life Jacket, No Boarding across riverine communities in Niger State to reduce boat mishap and enhance waterways safety. It was noted that none of the passengers was wearing any life jackets despite NIWA’s stand on zero tolerance over non-use of life jacket.
However, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, has shared details about the incident.
“NSEMA received a report of a boat mishap incident which occurred on 26th July 2025, the Director-General said.
-9News Nigeria.
