Niger State, Nigeria – At least 25 people have lost their lives after a passenger boat capsized in Niger State on Sunday. The tragic incident occurred along one of the state’s major waterways, leaving several passengers missing and sparking a frantic rescue operation by local authorities and community volunteers.
According to eyewitness accounts, the ill-fated boat was carrying dozens of passengers when it overturned mid-journey. The cause of the accident is yet to be officially confirmed, but preliminary reports suggest that overloading and strong river currents may have contributed to the disaster.
Local emergency services and marine police are currently engaged in search-and-rescue efforts, with hopes of finding survivors among those still unaccounted for. However, officials have warned that the death toll could rise as the operation progresses.
Residents in the affected area have called on the government to improve water transport safety standards and enforce regulations to prevent future occurrences of such tragedies.
This latest accident underscores the recurring challenges of water transportation in Nigeria’s riverine communities, where inadequate safety measures and overcrowding often result in fatal incidents.
Authorities urge travelers using waterways to prioritize safety and avoid overloading, while promising to investigate the root cause of the disaster and provide support to victims’ families.
