Several feared dead as boat capsizes on Shiroro Dam

A boat carrying market-bound passengers capsized Saturday morning on the Shiroro Dam in Niger State, leaving several feared dead and sparking an ongoing rescue effort.

The accident occurred around 10 a.m. on July 26 between Sherin Waterway and Kwata Market in the Zumba area of Shiroro Local Government Area.

According to reports, the vessel was ferrying passengers from Shaita Village to a weekly market when it overturned.

The boat is said to belong to one Mallam iMusa of Shaita Village in Muya Local Government Area, and the exact number of people on board at the time remains unknown.

Following the incident, a joint rescue operation involving the Marine Police and local divers was launched to search for survivors and recover any victims.

As of press time, authorities had yet to confirm the number of casualties, while efforts to locate those missing were still underway.

The Niger State Police Command has urged boat operators to comply with all maritime safety guidelines, emphasizing the importance of life jackets and proper loading procedures.