In Niger State, Nigeria, a boat carrying over 100 people collapsed, killing at least 60 people, according to officials.

Around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the boat departed Tungan Sule in the Malale district and crossed the Kainji reservoir on its way to the town of Dugga.

Officials said the boat sank after colliding with a hidden tree stump underwater.

The disaster occurred close to the Gausawa town in the Borgu Local Government Area, according to confirmation from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).

According to them, overloading and the accident with the stump were the primary factors.

The majority of the passengers on the boat were women and children who were traveling for a visit of condolence.

Although scores have been saved by rescuers, many more are still unaccounted for.

The death toll has now reached 60, according to local leader Abdullahi Baba Ara, Director-General of NSEMA, who also serves as the president of Borgu LGA.

As the search for missing persons continues, the figure could increase. 31 bodies have already been found in the water, and at least 10 individuals are in critical condition.

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This heartbreaking incident once again highlights the serious safety issues in Nigeria’s river transport, especially during the rainy season.

Boat accidents like this are common due to overloading, poor maintenance, and lack of safety rules.

Many communities depend on boats for daily travel, but weak regulations put lives at constant risk.

Until strong safety enforcement and better boats are ensured, such tragic events are likely to continue.