Niger State is mourning another deadly boat accident after a vessel carrying approximately 90 passengers capsized on Tuesday around 11:30 am in Gausawa, Malale ward. The boat, reportedly heading to Dugga for a condolence visit, struck a submerged tree stump near Gausawa community.
Abdullah Arah, Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the capsizing, while Abdullahi Baba Ara, Chair of Borgu Local Government Area, stated that the death toll has risen to 60. Ten individuals remain in serious condition, and several others are still being sought.
Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, district head of Shagumi, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, said: “The boat carried more than 100 people. We were able to recover 31 corpses from the river. Four victims were buried on Tuesday according to Islamic rites. Women and children made up most of the deceased.”
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of fatal boat mishaps in Niger State, marking the second major accident on its waterways since July. On July 27, 25 people perished when a boat carrying traders and goods capsized in Gunu village, Shiroro LGA. Between September 2024 and July 2025, no fewer than 90 people lost their lives in similar incidents across Shiroro, Mokwa, Katcha, and Lapai LGAs.
The series of accidents has raised urgent questions about waterway safety, regulation, and emergency preparedness in Niger State, with residents and authorities calling for stricter enforcement and preventive measures to avoid further tragedies.
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