Tragedy in Niger State: 29 Feared Dead After Boat Capsizes in Gausawa Community
A devastating boat accident claimed at least 29 lives on Tuesday in Gausawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The tragic event unfolded around 11:30 a.m. when a boat, reportedly carrying 90 people—including women and children—capsized on route to Dugga community for a condolence visit.
Witnesses say the vessel, which was severely overloaded, struck a submerged tree stump, causing it to overturn and sink.
An official from the Ministry of Transport, choosing to remain unnamed, revealed to reporters that none of the passengers had life jackets during the journey.
“None of the passengers wore life jackets. If they had, many more would likely have survived this tragedy. Unfortunately, in Borgu, people are reluctant to use life jackets for reasons best known to them,” the source told PUNCH.
NSEMA Responds to the Disaster
Speaking on the calamity, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that a major search and rescue operation was immediately launched.
He said, “NSEMA received notification of a boat accident in the Gausawa area of Malale, Borgu LGA. According to our desk officer at the scene, the boat departed from Tugan Sule in Shagunu ward with 90 people on board, heading to Dugga for a condolence visit.
“The accident occurred on September 2, 2025, about 11:30 a.m., and was caused by both overloading and collision with a hidden tree stump. As of the latest update, 29 bodies have been recovered, 50 passengers were found alive, and two individuals are still unaccounted for.”
This incident marks the second fatal boat crash in Niger State this year. The previous tragedy, which happened in July, was also the result of a collision with a tree stump.
Despite efforts by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to distribute life jackets in Mokwa earlier this year—following deadly floods that had claimed over 200 lives—many passengers still choose not to use the safety equipment.
