Tragedy in Niger: 25 Feared Dead, Including Family of 10, in Shiroro Boat Mishap
At least 25 people, including an entire family of 10, have died in a tragic boat accident in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Gunu, as the victims were en route to the Kwata-Zumba weekly market.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the accident, stating that the overloaded boat was carrying farm produce and an unspecified number of passengers, most of whom were traders.
According to a statement by NSEMA Director General, Hon. Abdullahi Baba Arah, rescue operations were immediately dispatched to the scene.
“NSEMA received a report of a boat mishap on July 26, 2025, around 11:45 a.m. The vessel, which was carrying goods and passengers to the Kwata-Zumba market, capsized mid-journey,” he said.
Arah added that while the boat’s driver and a few passengers were rescued, one of the survivors is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Kuta, the headquarters of Shiroro LGA.
He noted that the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed as search and rescue efforts—led by NSEMA officials, local divers, and volunteers—are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Sarkin Ruwa of Zumba, Umar Isah, also confirmed the incident and estimated that about 25 people may have perished.
He stated that although the boat operator was unsure of the exact number of passengers onboard, one family reportedly lost 10 members, while another said five of its relatives were still missing.
