Monday, July 20, 2026

Scores feared killed as boat carrying 170 passengers sinks in River Niger

Those onboard were said to be mostly women and children, although the actual number of passengers could not be immediately ascertained.

• May 26, 2021
A loaded boat in a river
A loaded boat in a river used to illustrate the story [Photo credit: TRT World]

Some people were feared killed while others went missing after a ferry carrying over 170 passengers sank in the River Niger, Peoples Gazette has learnt.

A police spokesman in Kebbi told The Gazette that officers have received information that a boat that departed Niger State had capsized on its way to Kebbi.

“We learnt that more than 170 people were on the boat,” the official said. “We are trying to confirm fatalities at this moment.”

The passengers were said to be mostly women and children, although the actual figures were yet unclear.

The incident came weeks after a boat capsized in Niger, killing about 30 people.

Details shortly…

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang

States

Mutfwang hails Tinubu for approving dualisation of Plateau-Taraba road

Mr Mutfwang particularly thanked Mr Yilwatda for his strategic engagement and commitment to the development of Plateau State at all times.

Peter Obi

NationWide

Obi thanks God @65, donates ₦10 million to rural hospital in Anambra community

Mr Obi expressed gratitude to God and renewed commitment to the service of humanity.

Triumphant Spain

Heading 3

Spain lift 2026 World Cup after beating Messi’s Argentina

The defeat meant that Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates failed to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles in 64 years.

Map of Kano State

States

Fire service rescues man trapped under collapsed Kano wall

The PRO said that the victim was rescued alive and conveyed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano State.

Alake of Egbaland endorses PDP candidate Adebutu

Heading 1

Alake of Egbaland endorses PDP candidate Adebutu for 2027 Ogun governorship race

Mr Adebutu accused successive administrations of denying local governments the financial independence needed to drive development.