A devastating boat accident has claimed the lives of no fewer than 25 individuals, including an entire family of 10, in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The fatal mishap occurred in the Gunu community around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the victims were en route to the Kwata-Zumba weekly market when the boat, which was also carrying agricultural goods and other commodities, capsized mid-journey. Most of the passengers onboard were believed to be traders heading to the market to sell their goods.
In an official statement, the Director General of NSEMA, Hon. Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed the incident and disclosed that rescue operations were promptly deployed to the scene.
He explained that the ill-fated boat was carrying an unspecified number of passengers when it overturned, leading to a chaotic rescue effort due to the uncertainty about how many people were actually on board.
“NSEMA has received a report of a boat mishap that occurred around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The boat, which was loaded with commodities and an unknown number of passengers heading to Kwata-Zumba Market, capsized along its route,” Arah stated.
He further revealed that some passengers, including the boat operator, were successfully rescued from the water. One of the survivors is currently receiving medical attention at the General Hospital in Kuta, the headquarters of Shiroro Local Government Area.
“As of the time this report was being compiled, the exact number of casualties had yet to be verified, as search and rescue operations are still ongoing. Teams comprising NSEMA officers, local divers, and community volunteers are working tirelessly to recover more victims and provide support to survivors,” Arah added.
Speaking on the tragedy, the traditional ruler of Zumba, Sarkin Ruwa Zumba, Umar Isah, also confirmed the incident and gave an estimated death toll of at least 25. He noted that due to the lack of a passenger manifest, the exact number of occupants on the boat remains unknown.
“The boat driver himself was unable to confirm the total number of passengers. Sadly, an entire family of 10 has been confirmed dead, while another family has reported that five of their members are still missing,” the Sarkin Ruwa said.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the recurring risks associated with overloaded and unregulated boat transportation in riverine areas of the state.
Authorities have assured the public that the search efforts will continue until all missing persons are accounted for.