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29 Lives Lost as Overloaded Passenger Vessel Capsizes in Niger State Waters
29 Lives Lost as Overloaded Passenger Vessel Capsizes in Niger State Waters
A tragic boat accident in Niger State has claimed at least 29 lives, with two passengers still missing after an overloaded vessel capsized during a community journey on Monday.
The incident occurred at Gausawa in Borgu Local Government Area when a boat carrying approximately 90 passengers—predominantly women and children—overturned while traveling from Tungan Sule in Shagunu Ward to Dugga community for a condolence visit.
Abdullahi Baba Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed that search and rescue teams have successfully recovered 29 bodies and rescued 50 survivors. Two passengers remain unaccounted for as operations continue.
“Our desk officer leading the search and rescue operations confirmed the vessel departed Tungan Sule with 90 people on board, including women and children, bound for Dugga for a condolence visit,” Arah reported.
Preliminary investigations indicate the accident resulted from vessel overloading and a collision with a submerged tree stump. Critically, none of the passengers were wearing life jackets despite ongoing government safety campaigns and regulatory directives for waterway users in the state.
“This incident highlights the persistent challenge of safety compliance on our waterways, despite repeated sensitization efforts and government directives on water safety protocols,” Arah emphasized.
The tragic incident underscores ongoing safety concerns regarding inland waterway transportation in Niger State, where boat travel remains essential for many rural communities but safety regulations are frequently overlooked.
NSEMA continues coordinating search efforts for the missing passengers while investigating the full circumstances surrounding this latest maritime disaster.