60 dead after boat capsizes in Nigeria’s Niger state

Nigeria: At least 60 people have been confirmed dead after a boat carrying more than 100 passengers capsized on Wednesday in Nigeria’s north-central Niger State, according to local officials.

The tragic incident occurred near the Gausawa community in Borgu Local Government Area, when the boat struck a submerged tree stump in the Kainji reservoir. The vessel had departed from Tungan Sule in Malale district around 11:00 a.m. local time, en route to the town of Dugga for a condolence visit.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) attributed the accident to overloading and a collision with an underwater tree stump. Women and children were among those on board.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with dozens of survivors pulled from the water. However, officials warn that the death toll may continue to rise as the search for missing persons continues.

Abdullahi Baba Ara, NSEMA’s director general and chair of Borgu Local Government Area, confirmed the updated death toll and emphasized the challenges facing rescue efforts. Ten people have been found in serious condition, and many are still being sought.”

This is the latest in a series of fatal boat accidents in Nigeria, where poor safety measures, overloading, and lack of regulation often contribute to maritime tragedies.