At least 50 drown as overloaded boat capsizes in Nigeria

At least 50 people lost their lives after an overloaded boat capsized in Nigeria's Sokoto state, according to witnesses. The incident occurred near Gorau in the Goronyo local government area. Local authorities are continuing rescue efforts. Abdulkadir Yusuf, an area manager at the National Inland Waterways Authority, reported seeing 50 bodies, many wrapped in traditional cloths, at the community mosque before burial.

Overcrowding, poor maintenance, and weak safety regulations contribute to such disasters on Nigeria's rivers and waterways, particularly during the rainy season. The boat was reportedly carrying farm owners, laborers, and more than 70 people when it capsized. Around 40 children were among the victims, and 16 people were rescued. The death toll has since risen to 53, as more bodies were recovered, according to Mr Yusuf.