Women, children killed as boat splits into 2 in Niger river

Several people have been including women and children have been killed in a fresh boat wreck on the River Shiroro in Niger State.

It was gathered that the incident which left many people dead happened on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after the wooden passenger boat capsized close to the Zumba area in Shiroro LGA of Niger state.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened at about 2.30 pm when the boat was transporting passengers to the popular Saturday market in Zumba from Guni, Munya Local Government Area. 

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The boat was said to have capsized shortly after departure.

Sources said the boat split into two after it hit a tree which was submerged in the river.

“As soon as it hit the tree under the water, it just broke apart,” an eyewitness near the market said.

The witness also noted that the boat was full of passengers and their goods when the incident occurred.

While the exact number of casualties is yet to be ascertained, local divers have begun a search and rescue operation with the hope of finding some survivors.

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