Nigeria: Dozens dead after boat capsizes in Sokoto

An overloaded boat capsized in a river in Sokoto state, northern Nigeria, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 50 people, local authorities reported on Thursday. The boat, reportedly filled with individuals en route to work on farms, saw an alarming number of children among the victims, with Abdulkadir Yusuf, an area manager from the National Inland Waterways Authority, confirming that around 40 children perished.

One resident, Samaila Garba, lamented that his 13-year-old granddaughter was among the fatalities, recounting that he had identified at least 42 bodies, predominantly comprising women and children. During the rainy season, many women and children venture to their farms for work, according to Garba. Dahir Kure, a spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency in Sokoto state, confirmed that rescue operations were underway at the scene.

Kure stated that they were actively engaged in rescue efforts. Former local councilor Ibrahim Musa described the situation as dire, noting that they had already buried 46 bodies, with five more recently retrieved from the river. The incident highlights the recurring issue of deadly boat accidents in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, where scores of individuals lose their lives due to overloaded boats, inadequate maintenance, or non-compliance with safety regulations. In January, a similar accident in Yobe state claimed the lives of at least 25 people.