Shiroro Dam tragedy: dozens feared dead as boat capsizes in Niger State

Summary

• A boat carrying traders capsized on the Shiroro Dam waterways in Niger State on 26th July 2025
• Estimates of fatalities vary, with some local reports suggesting up to 25 deaths, including entire families
• Overcrowding and the widespread lack of life jacket usage are cited as major contributing factors to the high casualty rate
• Rescue operations are ongoing, but the absence of a passenger manifest is complicating efforts to determine the exact number of missing individuals, highlighting Nigeria’s persistent water transport safety issues

Minna, Nigeria – A tragic boat accident on the Shiroro Dam waterways in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State has left dozens feared dead, renewing concerns over water safety in Nigeria.

The incident, which occurred around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, 26th July 2025, involved a boat transporting an unspecified number of traders and their goods from Guni in Munya Local Government Area to the weekly Kwata Zumba Market. The vessel reportedly capsized mid-river after striking a submerged tree log.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the mishap, with rescue operations immediately launched involving NSEMA desk officers, Marine Police, local divers, and community volunteers. As of Sunday, 27th July 2025, these search and rescue efforts are still underway.

Initial reports regarding the number of casualties have varied. Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, NSEMA’s Director of Information and Special Duties, stated that the boat operator and a few passengers were rescued, with one person currently receiving treatment at General Hospital in Kuta. However, he could not confirm the exact number of fatalities due to the ongoing nature of the search.

In stark contrast, Umar Isah, the Sarkin Ruwa of Zumba, a local community leader, has grimly estimated approximately 25 fatalities. He tragically reported that one family lost 10 members in the accident, while another family has five members still unaccounted for. Separately, one source has reported 12 confirmed fatalities.

The ill-fated boat, owned by Mallam Danlami Musa from Shaita Village in Munya Local Government Area, was reportedly overcrowded. Authorities and eyewitnesses have pointed to the critical absence of life jacket usage among passengers as a significant factor contributing to the high casualty count. Despite previous distributions of life jackets by the Niger State Government, N-HYPPADEC, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), compliance with safety regulations remains alarmingly low across riverine communities.

This latest tragedy is unfortunately part of a recurring pattern of boat accidents across Nigeria. Such incidents are frequently attributed to a combination of factors including overloading, inadequate boat maintenance, and a general disregard for safety protocols.

For instance, in November 2024, a devastating boat capsize on the Niger River, carrying 200 passengers, resulted in at least 27 deaths and over 100 missing. Numerous similar incidents in recent years underscore the persistent challenges in regulating and ensuring safety in the nation’s water transport sector.

As rescue efforts continue on the Shiroro Dam waterways, the absence of a comprehensive passenger register is further complicating the determination of the exact number of missing individuals—a stark and painful reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols, robust enforcement of regulations, and improved infrastructure for riverine transportation across Nigeria to prevent further avoidable loss of life.