29 Die, 50 Rescued, Two Missing In Niger Boat Mishap

At least 29 people have died and 50 others rescued after a boat carrying about 90 passengers capsized on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, along the Malale–Kainji Lake route in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The boat, which left Tungan Sule in Shagunu ward heading to Dugga, capsized at about 11:30 a.m. after it struck a submerged tree stump. Officials said the vessel was also overloaded, a recurring cause of boat disasters in the state.

Confirming the tragedy, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said:

“The boat, carrying about 90 passengers including children, struck a submerged tree stump. As of this report, 29 bodies have been recovered, 50 rescued, and two remain missing. Overloading and collision are believed to be the causes of the mishap.”

The NSEMA boss described the incident as “tragic and avoidable,” noting that safety rules on inland waterways are often ignored.

Eyewitnesses and community members said many of the victims were traders and villagers travelling to Dugga for a condolence visit. Local divers assisted emergency workers in the rescue operation.

The accident is the latest in a string of boat mishaps in Niger State. In July, more than 20 people died in a similar incident in Mokwa Local Council.

Authorities say stricter enforcement of safety regulations including compulsory life jacket use and sanctions against overloaded boats will be intensified to prevent future tragedies.