At least 60 people have died in a boat mishap in Borgu LGA of Niger state.
Abdullah Arah, director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said the boat was conveying about 90 passengers when it capsized on Tuesday at about 11:30am at Gausawa in Malale ward.
The vessel departed from Tungan Sule in Malale on Tuesday morning and was reportedly heading to Dugga for a condolence visit when it struck a submerged tree stump near Gausawa community.
The NSEMA DG noted that the accident was caused by overloading. He confirmed 29 deaths, 50 rescues, and two missing persons.
Reuters reports that Abdullahi Baba Ara, chair of Borgu LGA, said the casualty figure has risen.
“The death toll of the boat incident has risen to 60. Ten people have been found in serious condition and many are still being sought,” Baba Ara said.
Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, district head of Shagumi, said he arrived at the scene shortly after the accident.
“The boat carried more than 100 people. We were able to recover 31 corpses from the river. The boat was also recovered and removed,” he said.
Muhammad added that four victims were buried on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites, noting that women and children made up most of the deceased.
The incident adds to a string of fatal boat accidents in the state, marking the second major mishap on its waterways since July.
On July 27, 25 people lost their lives after a boat conveying traders and goods capsized in Gunu village, Shiroro LGA of the state.
Between September 2024 and July 2025, no fewer than 90 people lost their lives in similar mishaps across Shiroro, Mokwa, Katcha and Lapai LGAs.
