At least 25 people, including 10 members of a single family, are feared dead following a boat mishap in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State on Saturday.
The tragic incident occurred around 2pm as the passengers were traveling to the Zumba weekly market.
According to Umar Isah, the Sarkin Ruwa of Zumba, the boat was ferrying passengers from Guni in Munya LGA to Zumba when it struck a submerged tree log and capsized mid-river.
“The number of casualties is estimated to be about 25,” Isah said.
He added, “The boat driver couldn’t confirm the exact number of people onboard. One family lost 10 of its members, and another has reported five of theirs missing.”
Isah also noted that many of the passengers from Guni were still unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continued.
Dr. Ibrahim Audu Hussaini, Director of Information and Special Duties at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the incident but stated that the agency was still gathering full details regarding the casualties.
Search and recovery operations are ongoing as families await news of missing loved ones.