Tragedy on Niger Waters: Boat Mishap Claims 25 Lives, Including 10 from One Family

 

Director General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Arah

‎Overloaded vessel capsizes en route to Zumba Market; search and rescue ongoing amid grief and uncertainty

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‎A tragic boat accident in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, including 10 members of the same family, with several others feared missing. The mishap occurred at about 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in the Gunu community, as passengers made their way to the weekly Kwata-Zumba market.
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‎According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the boat overloaded with farm produce and an unspecified number of passengers, mostly traders, capsized mid-journey under yet-to-be-determined circumstances.
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‎In a statement released by NSEMA's Director General, Abdullahi Arah, a coordinated rescue mission involving NSEMA officials, local divers, and community volunteers was immediately launched to retrieve bodies and search for survivors.
‎"As of the time of this report, the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, as the rescue operation is still ongoing," Arah stated. He confirmed that several individuals, including the boat driver, have been rescued, while one survivor is receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Kuta, the Shiroro LGA headquarters.
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‎The traditional ruler of Zumba, Sarkin Ruwa Umar Isah, also confirmed the incident, estimating around 25 fatalities so far. He revealed that among the deceased were 10 members of a single family, and another family has reported five members still missing.
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‎Efforts to determine the total number of passengers onboard have been hampered by the absence of a manifest, as the boat operator failed to keep a passenger record.
‎The incident has cast a dark shadow over the Gunu and Zumba communities, who now mourn the loss of their loved ones while clinging to hope for survivors.
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‎Authorities are urging boat operators to enforce safety protocols, including the use of life jackets and proper passenger documentation, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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