At least 60 people have died in a boat mishap that occurred on September 2 in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The vessel, carrying more than 90 passengers, capsized after colliding with a submerged tree stump along the Gausawa community waterway in Malale Ward. Survivors said the passengers were traveling for a condolence visit when the accident happened.
Rescue operations led by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Niger State Emergency Services, and local divers have so far recovered dozens of bodies and rescued more than 50 people. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue, with several passengers still unaccounted for.
International agencies including Reuters and the Associated Press reported that the confirmed fatalities had risen to at least 60, while Nigerian outlets placed the figure between 29 and 30, citing ongoing recovery efforts. Officials also noted that many passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.
The tragedy has once again highlighted safety challenges in Nigeria’s inland waterways, including overloading, poor enforcement of regulations, and a lack of basic safety equipment.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi reportedly issued a condolence message expressing sorrow over the frequent loss of lives in road and water transport accidents across the country, though his statement has yet to be independently verified.
Authorities said search and recovery operations will continue until all missing persons are accounted for.
