River Niger 60 Confirmed Dead in Boat Accident

At least 60 people have died after an overloaded boat capsized on the River Niger near Gausawa community in Niger State.

Local officials said the vessel, carrying more than 100 passengers, struck a submerged tree stump on Tuesday while traveling from Tungan Sule to Dugga.

The chairman of Borgu Local Government, Abdullahi Baba Ara, confirmed the updated death toll, adding that 10 passengers remain in critical condition, while dozens are still missing. About 50 survivors have been rescued so far.

District head Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad noted that most of the victims were women and children, and that burials have already begun.

Rescue operations involving emergency teams and local divers are still underway. Authorities say overloading and poor enforcement of river transport safety rules remain major causes of such recurring tragedies.