More than 60 people have been confirmed dead after a boat carrying over 100 passengers capsized in Niger State, north-central Nigeria.
The vessel was heading from Tungan Sule in Malale district to the town of Dugga on Tuesday morning when it struck a submerged tree stump near Gausawa community, overturning in the river.
Local official Abdullahi Baba Ara said the death toll continues to rise, with at least 10 survivors in critical condition and many still missing. Witnesses reported that women and children made up most of the victims.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed 29 deaths and 50 rescues by Wednesday, adding that search and recovery operations are ongoing.
Boat accidents are tragically common in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season, often caused by overcrowding, unsafe vessels, and weak enforcement of safety rules. Authorities said this boat was overloaded at the time of the accident.
The disaster has sparked fresh calls for stricter safety standards on Nigeria’s waterways as grieving families in Niger State continue to search for missing loved ones.
