A tragic boat accident occurred on July 26, 2025, in Niger State's Shiroro Local Government Area, resulting in an uncertain number of casualties. The incident happened when a wooden passenger boat capsized near Zumba, en route to the popular Saturday market.
Key Details
- *Cause of the Accident*: The boat reportedly struck a submerged tree and split in two, throwing all onboard into the river.
- *Rescue Efforts*: The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and local divers have launched a search and rescue operation to recover bodies and search for possible survivors.
- *Casualties*: The exact number of casualties remains unknown, but eyewitnesses indicate that women and children were among the passengers ¹ ².
Response and Investigation
- *Government Response*: President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the incident and directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to expand surveillance on inland waters to prevent future accidents.
- *Safety Concerns*: The incident highlights concerns about water transport safety regulations and the need for strict adherence to capacity limits and safety measures, such as wearing life jackets ³.
Previous Incidents
Nigeria has experienced several boat accidents in recent years, often due to overloading and poor safety measures. In October 2024, a similar incident occurred in Niger State, resulting in over 60 reported deaths. These incidents underscore the importance of enforcing safety regulations and promoting awareness about water safety ³ ⁴.
