More than 50 dead, mostly children, as overloaded boat capsizes in Nigeria' Sokoto
The witness saw 50 bodies, many wrapped in mats and traditional cloths, lying in the forecourt of a community mosque ahead of their burial in Gorau later on Thursday.
A boat capsized in Nigeria's Sokoto state on Thursday, resulting in at least 50 deaths, with the majority being children, according to witnesses. Abdulkadir Yusuf, an authority from the National Inland Waterways Authority, reported that the incident occurred near Gorau in Goronyo local government area and rescue operations are ongoing.
The bodies of approximately 40 children and 16 survivors were found, while 53 individuals are confirmed dead. Local residents reported that the boat, carrying farm owners and harvesters, was overloaded with over 70 people. Mustapha Umar, the director of relief and rehabilitation, informed that officials are en route to the scene to provide further details.
Similar accidents have occurred in Nigeria before, often due to overcrowding, poor maintenance, and inadequate safety regulations.
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