At least 27 people died, and more than 100 are missing after a boat capsized on the River Niger in northern Nigeria on Friday. The passengers, mostly women, were traveling to a food market when the incident occurred, authorities reported.
The boat, carrying about 200 people, was en route from Kogi state to Niger state when it sank, according to Ibrahim Audu, spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency. Rescue teams recovered 27 bodies by Friday evening, but no survivors had been found 12 hours after the accident, said Sandra Musa, spokeswoman for Kogi state emergency services.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the accident, though local reports suggest overcrowding. Overloaded boats are common in remote Nigerian regions where poor road infrastructure limits transportation options.
Rescue efforts faced challenges, with teams struggling to locate the capsizing site hours after the incident, said Justin Uwazuruonye from Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency.
Water transportation accidents remain a persistent issue in Nigeria, often linked to overcrowding, poorly maintained boats, and the lack of life jackets. Efforts to enforce safety measures have been limited due to cost and availability, leaving passengers vulnerable to such tragedies.