Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

Editions

World

Nigeria: 47 Dead As Boat Capsizes in Sokoto

[Vanguard] Officials have told the Associated Press that 47 people died when a boat capsized in a river in Sokoto State 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.

Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at allafrica.com →

More in World

More from Friday 21 August →