A boat accident occurred in Niger State on Saturday, July 26, 2025, leaving an uncertain number of casualties as rescue operations continue at the scene.
According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the vessel, which was carrying commodities and an unspecified number of passengers en route to Kwata, Zumba Market, capsized around 11:45 am.
Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, Director of Information and Special Duties at NSEMA, released a statement on behalf of the Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirming the incident.
"NSEMA has received a report of a boat mishap incident which occurred today, 26th July 2025, around 11:45 am when a boat loaded with commodities and an unspecified number of passengers heading to Kwata, Zumba Market, capsized along with its occupants," the statement read.
The agency confirmed that the boat driver and a few passengers have been rescued from the water. One of the survivors has been admitted to General Hospital Kuta and is currently receiving medical treatment.
"As at the time of filing this report, the number of casualties could not be confirmed," Hussaini added.
Search and rescue operations remain active at the scene, with NSEMA desk officers, local divers, and volunteers working together to locate and rescue any remaining passengers.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about water transportation safety in riverine communities across Nigeria, where boats serve as essential means of transportation for goods and passengers, especially in areas with limited road access.
BenriNews will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available from emergency response teams on the ground.
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