At least 60 dead and dozens rescued after a boat carrying more than 100 passengers capsized in Nigeria’s north-central Niger State, officials said on Wednesday. The tragic incident occurred near the Gausawa community in Borgu Local Government Area.
The vessel departed from Tungan Sule in Malale district on Tuesday morning, heading to Dugga for a condolence visit. Local authorities reported that the boat struck a submerged tree stump, causing it to overturn around 11 a.m. (1000 GMT).
Abdullahi Baba Ara, chair of Borgu Local Government Area, confirmed the rising casualty numbers. “The death toll of the boat incident has risen to 60,” he said. “Ten people have been found in serious condition, and many are still being sought.”
Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, district head of Shagumi, was at the scene shortly after the accident. He reported that the boat carried over 100 passengers. “We were able to recover 31 corpses from the river,” Muhammad said. “The boat was also recovered and removed.” He added that four victims were buried on Tuesday following Islamic rites, with women and children forming the majority of the deceased.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency said emergency personnel and local divers are continuing to search for victims. The agency confirmed 29 deaths, 50 people rescued, and two missing persons. Officials noted that the boat was overloaded and poorly maintained, factors that contributed to the capsizing.
Boat accidents are common in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season. Overcrowding, lax safety enforcement, and unsafe vessels often lead to such tragedies. Authorities are calling for stricter regulations and better monitoring of river transport to prevent future incidents.
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by passengers on Nigeria’s waterways. Local authorities are urging communities to observe safety measures and report unsafe vessels promptly.
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