Dozens Missing as Overloaded Boat Capsizes in Niger State
Tragedy struck in Niger State as a passenger boat ferrying traders and goods capsized on the River Niger, leaving many feared dead and several others missing.
The incident occurred near Sokun village in Lapai Local Government Area during what witnesses described as a sudden windstorm and cloudy weather conditions. The boat, which was reportedly carrying a large consignment of over 200 bags of paddy rice and dozens of traders, was en route from Bugge in Kogi State to Sokun when it overturned midstream.
Officials from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the accident and said a search-and-rescue operation was ongoing. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, early reports suggest that the boat was overloaded and may have lacked life-saving equipment.
Two siblings from Alaba village in Lapai LGA have been confirmed among the dead, according to local sources.
Spokesperson for NSEMA, Ibrahim Audu Hussaini, stated that the agency is working in collaboration with community volunteers to recover bodies and assess the full scope of the tragedy. “The river was very turbulent, and the boat capsized under heavy wind and rain. We are still gathering details,” he said.
This incident adds to a growing list of fatal boat mishaps in Niger State. According to NSEMA, between September 2024 and April 2025, at least 78 people lost their lives in various accidents across the state’s waterways. Factors commonly cited include overloading, nighttime travel, and the absence of life jackets.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has repeatedly warned against non-compliance with maritime safety regulations, particularly by local transport operators in rural riverine areas.
Local residents and community leaders are calling on the government to enforce stricter safety protocols on water transport and provide modern rescue equipment to prevent future tragedies.
As of press time, rescue teams continue to search the river for survivors and additional victims.
