Guni, Niger State | July 28, 2025 —
At least 25 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating boat accident in the Guni area of Niger State on Sunday. The victims were reportedly on their way to a local market when the overloaded boat capsized mid-river, plunging its passengers into the water.
Eyewitnesses say the boat was carrying more passengers than it was designed for, with many women and children among those aboard. Local divers and community volunteers began immediate rescue operations before authorities arrived.
According to early reports, the boat was traveling along the river route commonly used by traders and farmers heading to the Guni market. Midway through the trip, the vessel allegedly hit a submerged object or became unsteady due to excess weight, leading to the tragedy.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Niger State Emergency officials have since confirmed the incident and are working to recover bodies and identify the deceased. Several survivors are receiving medical care at nearby clinics.
In a statement, Niger State Governor Umar Bago expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, promising that the government will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“We must ensure that safety regulations are enforced on our waterways to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future,” the governor said.
The Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has also launched an investigation into the possible causes, including mechanical failure, weather conditions, and non-compliance with safety guidelines.
Boat accidents are, unfortunately, not uncommon in Nigeria’s riverine regions due to poor enforcement of safety regulations, use of dilapidated vessels, and overloading. Sunday’s incident adds to a growing list of fatalities that have raised public outcry over the urgent need for reforms in waterway transport systems.