Boat Mishap Claims 29 Lives in Niger, 50 Rescued
MINNA — Tragedy struck in Niger State on Tuesday as 29 persons lost their lives in a boat mishap at Gausawa in Malale Ward, Borgu Local Government Area.
Reports indicate that the ill-fated boat, which was conveying about 90 passengers, capsized after hitting a tree stump. Local divers and residents immediately launched a rescue operation, saving 50 passengers and recovering 29 bodies. Two other persons remain missing.
Confirming the incident, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, said the boat had departed from Tungan Sule in Shagunu Ward and was heading to Dugga village when the tragedy occurred.
“The incident happened on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, at about 11:30 am. It was attributed to overloading and collision with a tree stump. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing for the recovery of the missing persons,” Arah stated.
This is the second boat disaster in the state within five weeks. On July 27, a boat carrying 39 passengers from Guni to the weekly Zumba market across River Kaduna capsized, leaving 13 dead and 26 rescued. Among the victims were eight women, three men, and two children.
Meanwhile, rescue efforts by local divers in Borgu continue in search of the remaining missing passengers.
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