At least 29 people lost their lives in a tragic boat accident in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The incident happened around 11:30 am, when a boat carrying 90 passengers capsized after hitting a tree stump.
The boat was traveling from Tugan Sule in Shagunu Ward to Dugga for a condolence visit when the mishap occurred. Many of the passengers were women and children, making the tragedy even more heart-wrenching.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director of Information and Special Duties at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Dr Ibrahim Hussaini, confirmed the accident on behalf of the agency’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah.
According to the statement, the boat was overloaded, which likely contributed to the accident. “The boat capsized after colliding with a tree stump due to suspected overloading,” the statement explained.
Following the accident, rescue operations were launched immediately by NSEMA. So far, 50 people have been rescued alive, while 29 bodies have been recovered. Unfortunately, two passengers remain missing as search efforts continue.
“The Niger State Emergency Management Agency has recovered 29 bodies, 50 people rescued alive, and two individuals are still missing,” the Director General said. He added that search operations are ongoing to locate the missing persons.
Boat accidents are a recurring danger in many riverine communities across Nigeria, where waterways are a major means of transportation. Overcrowding, poor boat maintenance, and unsafe navigation often cause such tragedies, especially during festive seasons or special events when many people travel.
In Niger State, rivers and lakes are vital for local transportation, but safety measures have often been overlooked. The recent accident at Borgu highlights the urgent need for better regulation and enforcement of safety rules for water transport.
The government has in the past urged boat operators and passengers to observe safety guidelines, including limiting the number of passengers to avoid overloading. Life jackets and other safety equipment are supposed to be mandatory, but reports show these are rarely available or used.
Communities affected by boat mishaps often face not just loss of lives but also economic hardships, as many victims are breadwinners or family members who contribute to local livelihoods.
In this case, the passengers were traveling to attend a condolence visit, underscoring how such tragedies can deepen grief and suffering in communities.
The Niger State government and emergency agencies have vowed to intensify safety awareness and ensure stricter monitoring of water transport operations. They have also promised to support families of the victims.
Meanwhile, local leaders and residents in Borgu have called on the government to provide safer and more reliable transport options to prevent future accidents.
This latest boat mishap adds to a long list of water transportation accidents across Nigeria, highlighting the need for urgent action to save lives. Many Nigerians depend on boats to travel, especially in riverine and rural areas where roads are poor or nonexistent.
As search and rescue operations continue in Borgu, the community and the nation mourn the loss of 29 precious lives. Efforts to bring the missing two individuals home safely are ongoing.
