By Nkechi Eze
A tragic boat accident has claimed over 30 lives in Gausawa community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, with dozens of passengers still missing as emergency rescue operations continue.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in an official statement issued by Manzo Ezekiel, Head of its Press Unit, noting that the mishap occurred on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Witnesses reported that about 90 people were on board the ill-fated vessel when it capsized. So far, 58 passengers have been rescued, while more than 30 lives have been lost, as another body was recovered on Wednesday afternoon. Several passengers remain unaccounted for.
According to preliminary investigations, the accident was caused by overloading of the vessel, which was further compounded by a collision with a tree stump along the water channel.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has directed the Agency’s Minna Operations Office, which is already on site, to intensify ongoing search and rescue efforts. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) is spearheading the operation in collaboration with several stakeholders, including the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), local divers, and community volunteers.
NEMA assured the public that coordination with all stakeholders is being sustained to ensure an organized response and promised that further updates will be provided as more details emerge from the continuing rescue efforts.
