The tragic incident occurred at about 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025 in Gunu when the victims were heading to Kwata-Zumba weekly market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the incident, saying that the boat was loaded with commodities such as farm produce and an unspecified number of passengers, mostly traders.

 

 

 

 

 

NSEMA, in a statement by its Director General, Hon. Abdullahi Baba Arah, explained that rescue operations were deployed to the scene of the accident.

 

 

 

 

 

“NSEMA has received a report of a boat mishap incident which occurred today (yesterday) 26th July 2025, around 11:45 am when a Boat loaded with Commodities and an unspecified number of passengers heading towards Kwata, Zumba Market, capsized along with its occupants,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Arah stated further that the driver and a few passengers were rescued, adding that one of them has been admitted to General Hospital Kuta, in Shiroro Local Government Council Headquarters of the State, and he is currently receiving treatment.

 

 

 

“As of the time of filling this report, the number of casualties could not be confirmed nor ascertained, as the search and rescue operation is still ongoing by NSEMA desk officers, local divers, and Volunteers,” he added.

 

 

 

The Sarkin Ruwa Zumba, Umar Isah, who confirmed the incident estimated the number of casualties to be about 25.

 

 

 

 

 

He said though the driver did not also know the number of passengers in his boat, a family of 10 lost their lives while another reported that 5 of its members were yet to be accounted for.