News/ Deadly Nigeria boat disaster claims dozens of lives
A severely overloaded boat carrying approximately 100 passengers has capsized in northern Nigeria’s Niger state, resulting in a high death toll. The vessel struck a submerged tree stump and sank on the Malale River near the Gausawa community on Tuesday morning.
Conflicting figures have emerged from officials. While the state emergency agency confirms 29 fatalities and over 50 rescues, local authorities report the death toll has risen to 60, with many passengers still missing and search operations ongoing. The boat had departed from Tungan Sule and was carrying children.
This tragedy underscores a persistent national crisis. Such accidents are frequent in Nigeria due to chronic overloading, lax safety regulations, and a lack of enforcement.
Just last month, 25 people went missing in a similar incident in Sokoto state, and a December 2024 capsizing on the River Niger claimed 54 lives.
The repeated nature of these disasters highlights an urgent need for improved water transportation safety measures across the country.
