Nigerian Ferry Tragedy Kills 13 as Rescue Efforts Hindered by Bandit Violence

Edited By : Tendai Zola

At least 13 people lost their lives on Sunday in a tragic ferry accident on the River Niger in northern Nigeria, local authorities confirmed. The vessel, which was carrying 39 passengers and 50 bags of rice to the bustling Zumba Market, capsized mid-journey, according to a statement released Monday by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Among the deceased were 8 women, 3 men, and 2 children. Twenty-five passengers, including the boat operator, were rescued, NEMA added.

Efforts to reach the accident site were significantly hampered by security concerns, particularly the presence of heavily armed bandit groups operating in the area. “Very few people can go to the scene because of banditry in that area,” NEMA official Ibrahim Hussaini told the Associated Press.

Just two days before the accident, Nigerian military forces reportedly killed 45 armed gang members in Shiroro—the same municipality where the Zumba market is located. The army launched the operation after receiving intelligence of a planned attack involving dozens of armed men on motorcycles, according to local media outlet TheCable.

These so-called “bandits” have long terrorized northern Nigeria, launching raids on rural communities. Amnesty International describes their tactics as indiscriminate, involving mass shootings, arson, livestock theft, and widespread abductions for ransom.

As insecurity continues to escalate in the region, even routine activities like travel and trade are becoming increasingly dangerous, compounding the already fragile humanitarian situation in parts of northern Nigeria.