29 dead as boat capsizes at Malale riverfront in Niger State

A boat accident claimed 29 lives on September 2, 2025, at the Malale riverfront in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, authorities have confirmed.

The vessel, carrying 90 passengers, set sail from Tugan Sule in Shagunu ward heading toward Dugga for a condolence visit. Eyewitnesses and rescue teams report that women and children were among those on board. The catastrophe unfolded around 11:30 a.m. when the boat reportedly collided with a submerged tree stump, overwhelmed by excessive load.

Abdullahi Baba Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), shared details of the unfortunate event, noting that out of the 90 travelers, 29 bodies have been recovered so far. Another 50 individuals were saved through rescue efforts, but two remain unaccounted for. He added that search and recovery operations are underway to find the missing persons.

The community is mourning as rescue teams work tirelessly to bring closure to families affected by this sorrowful episode on the river.

NSEMA’s Director General stated that the teams responded swiftly after receiving the emergency call. He added that the combination of too many passengers and dangerous river obstacles was the origin of the unfortunate disaster.

An eyewitness, recounting on the event said, that the boat looked crowded when it left the dock. Then suddenly, it struck something and started to sink fast. He said the sight was terrifying and unpleasant to behold.

This catastrophic incident shows the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety measures on inland waterways to prevent similar future tragedies. Authorities have pledged to intensify inspections and public awareness campaigns to safeguard travelers.

In the aftermath, community leaders and officials call on residents to adhere strictly to capacity regulations whenever navigating the region’s waterways.