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13 Dead, 26 Rescued in Niger Boat Mishap Near Zumba Market
Thirteen bodies have been recovered and 26 people rescued following a tragic boat mishap that occurred on Saturday in Gini village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Director-General, Alhaji Abdullahi Arah, on Sunday in Minna.
The ill-fated boat, fully loaded with goods and passengers, capsized at around 11:45 a.m. near Kwata, en route to the popular Zumba weekly market.
“We have confirmed a boat mishap incident with 13 bodies recovered while 26 were rescued, bringing the total number of people on board to 39,” Arah stated.
He added that the deceased—comprising eight women, three men, and two children—had since been buried in accordance with local customs.
Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, Director of Information and Special Duties at NSEMA, also confirmed that the boat driver and several passengers were among those rescued. He noted that one injured victim who was admitted to the General Hospital in Kuta has been discharged.
Meanwhile, efforts to prevent future occurrences have seen the Niger State Government, through NSEMA, the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), distribute life jackets to residents in riverine communities.
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of water safety, especially during peak market travel periods.