More than 50 dead after boat capsizes in Nigeria
As Nigeria grapples with another maritime tragedy, local communities mourn the loss of lives.
Gusau, Nigeria - At least 51 individuals lost their lives on Thursday when a boat capsized in Sokoto state, northwest Nigeria, according to a local resident speaking to AFP. Rescue efforts are currently underway, with authorities still gathering information on the incident. Local councillor Ibrahim Musa lamented the ongoing issue of such accidents, which he attributes to overloaded boats, inadequate maintenance, and non-compliance with safety regulations.
"We already buried 46 bodies, and five others have just been rescued from the river," he stated. Local farmer Ilyasu Adamu confirmed the boat was undoubtedly overloaded and sank immediately after departing. The passengers, primarily women and children, were bound for a farm on the opposite side of the river. Adamu reported losing at least 48 lives.
Dahir Kure, a spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency in the state, confirmed rescue operations were active but could not immediately provide a toll, as authorities were still collecting pertinent details. Similar tragedies have occurred recently, with five people drowning in a boat accident in Jigawa state last month, and at least 26 fatalities when a boat carrying farmers and fishermen from Jigawa to Yobe state capsized in January.
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