Tragedy on River Niger: Three Traders Drown, One Missing After Canoe Capsizes in Kebbi — Full Report
In a deeply tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across the North-West region, three traders have been confirmed dead while one remains missing after a canoe transporting them capsized on River Niger. The heartbreaking event took place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, as the traders made their way back home after attending a market in Kebbi State.
According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the canoe was ferrying the traders from Yauri Market in Kebbi State back to Hikiya, a rural community in the Rohiya Local Government Area of Niger State. However, their journey came to a fatal end when the canoe reportedly struck a large, submerged stone around 11:14 AM, leading to an abrupt and devastating capsize in the deep waters of the River Niger.
This tragic boat mishap has once again drawn attention to the pressing safety issues surrounding water transportation in Nigeria’s rural riverine communities. The canoe, believed to be locally operated, lacked modern safety equipment, and the passengers were reportedly not wearing life jackets—an all-too-common scenario in many parts of the country.
What Really Happened? First-Hand Accounts and Details from the Scene
Speaking with Daily Trust, a resident of the area who witnessed the aftermath of the accident explained that the traders had earlier attended the weekly Yauri Market, a popular trading hub in Kebbi, where they sold and bought goods. It was on their way back to Hikiya in Niger State that tragedy struck.
“The canoe was overloaded with goods and passengers,” the local told reporters. “The river is very deep at that spot, and it’s not the first time accidents have happened there. This time, it hit a hidden stone beneath the water. The boat just turned over suddenly.”
Nafiu Nuhu, the Head of the Disaster Management Team of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria, Yauri Division, confirmed the details of the incident and provided updates on the rescue efforts.
In his words:
“The accident occurred as the canoe hit a stone under the water, leading to the drowning of three passengers while another is still missing. Some of the victims were rescued from the water with the assistance of members of the Red Cross team, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and volunteers from the community.”
He further explained that the team responded promptly upon receiving reports of the capsizing and immediately began search and rescue operations. Unfortunately, by the time help arrived, three of the traders had already drowned. Their bodies were later recovered and transported to their community in Hikiya, where they were buried according to Islamic rites.
As of the time of this report, one trader is still unaccounted for. Search efforts are ongoing, with the Red Cross and NIWA combing through the river in hopes of recovering the final body.
A Pattern of Tragedies on Nigeria’s Inland Waterways
This heartbreaking incident is not an isolated one. In recent years, fatal canoe and boat mishaps have become alarmingly frequent across Nigeria, especially in states like Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, and Sokoto, where rivers and waterways serve as the primary means of transportation for thousands of rural dwellers.
Many of these accidents are caused by:
-
Overloading of canoes or boats
-
Poor maintenance of watercraft
-
Lack of navigation tools or proper lighting
-
Absence of life jackets and rescue infrastructure
-
Inadequate regulation of water transportation
Unfortunately, these factors have continued to claim innocent lives. In just the last 12 months, multiple boat mishaps have been recorded in Kebbi State alone, raising questions about what regulatory bodies like NIWA and state governments are doing to protect travelers.
Community in Mourning: The Aftermath in Hikiya, Niger State
Back in Hikiya, a small agrarian community nestled along the banks of the River Niger, the mood is somber. The loss of three community members in a single day has left families devastated. Local leaders and clerics have organized prayer sessions for the dead and missing.
“These men were fathers, brothers, and husbands. They only went out to make ends meet,” said one mourner. “We need better boats, better safety, and better attention from the government.”
The burial of the victims was attended by hundreds of community members, many of whom broke down in tears. Local authorities are also calling for government intervention to improve river transportation safety and prevent a recurrence of such disasters.
Government and Agency Response: What Next?
While the Red Cross and NIWA have been lauded for their swift response, there is growing anger in the region over what many call a systemic failure by state and federal authorities. Residents are demanding:
-
Mandatory use of life jackets
-
Regular inspection of commercial canoes and boats
-
Training for local canoe operators
-
Emergency response stations along major waterways
-
Community sensitization on water safety
A spokesperson for NIWA, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the gaps and promised that efforts would be intensified to enforce regulations along the River Niger. “We are aware of the challenges,” he said. “But we need better cooperation from the local communities and more support from the government.”
Final Thoughts: A Preventable Tragedy
The canoe accident that claimed the lives of three traders and left another missing is not just a tragic story; it is a wake-up call. With proper enforcement of safety standards and adequate investment in water transport infrastructure, these avoidable deaths can be stopped.
As families in Hikiya grieve, the Nigerian government must prioritize the safety of its citizens who rely daily on rivers to live, trade, and survive. Until then, every journey across our rivers remains a risk—one that poor traders, farmers, and children shouldn’t have to bear.
