Scores dead, others missing as passenger boat capsizes on Shiroro Dam
A tragic boat accident occurred on Saturday morning, July 26, on the Shiroro Dam waterways in Niger State, leaving several passengers feared dead and prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation.
According to local sources, the incident happened around 10:00 a.m. between Sherin Waterway and Kwata Market in Zumba, within Shiroro Local Government Area. A passenger boat, reportedly owned by one Mallam Danlami Musa from Shaita Village in Muya LGA, capsized while ferrying an unspecified number of passengers to the weekly market in Kwata.
The cause of the accident remains unclear, but eyewitnesses said the boat overturned mid-journey, throwing all occupants into the water.
Upon receiving the report, a combined rescue team comprising Marine Police personnel and local divers was swiftly deployed to the scene to search for survivors and recover the bodies of the victims.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties had not been confirmed, but the rescue operation was still underway.
In response to the incident, the Niger State Police Command has appealed to boat operators and passengers to comply strictly with safety guidelines, including the mandatory use of life jackets and proper loading procedures, to prevent future tragedies on the waterways.
