Niger Boat Mishap Shiroro: NSEMA confirms 13 deaths after boat capsized en route Zumba market; search continues amid life jacket non-compliance concerns

Niger Boat Mishap Shiroro has claimed at least 13 lives after a boat capsized on Saturday en route to the Zumba market in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

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The tragic incident occurred around 11:45 a.m., with the boat carrying passengers and goods when it overturned mid-journey.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the death toll in a statement released by the agency’s Director of Information and Special Duties, Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini.

Director General of NSEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, disclosed that 13 bodies had been recovered so far, while search and rescue operations involving local divers, volunteers, and agency personnel remain ongoing.

The Niger Boat Mishap Shiroro once again highlights the deadly consequences of poor safety compliance.

While life jackets had previously been distributed across riverine communities by the state government, N-HYPPADEC, and NIWA, non-use by travelers and boat operators continues to result in high casualties during such accidents.

Earlier reports confirmed that the boat driver and some passengers were rescued and treated at General Hospital Kuta before being discharged.

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Officials emphasize the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols to avoid repeat tragedies and protect lives in Nigeria’s riverine communities.