A tragic boat accident in Nigeria’s Niger State has claimed the lives of at least 60 people, with dozens still missing.
Local officials say the overloaded vessel, carrying over 100 passengers, departed Tungan Sule on Tuesday morning en route to Dugga for a condolence visit.
The boat capsized after hitting a “submerged tree stump” near the Gausawa community, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.
Abdullahi Baba Ara, chairperson of Borgu LGA, told Reuters, “the death toll has risen to 60,” noting many are still unaccounted for and “ten people have been found in serious condition.”
The District Head of Shagumi, Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, said, “The boat carried more than 100 people,” and confirmed “31 corpses were recovered” and “four victims were buried on Tuesday” under Islamic rites.
Women and children made up most of the deceased.
The emergency agency reported 29 confirmed deaths, 50 rescues, and two missing persons.
