At Least 28 Die in Nigeria Boat Accident

A boat carrying around 100 people has capsized in the central Nigerian state of Niger.

Officials say 28 bodies have been recovered so far while 65 passengers have been rescued by divers. The victims include women and children.

The boat was carrying people including traders returning home from a local market in Zumba village.

It then hit a tree stump and overturned just before its destination in the village of Tijana in Shiroro area.

The accident happened on Saturday evening in the remote community but details are just emerging.

The head of Niger state’s emergency management agency told the BBC the recovered dead bodies have been buried, more than 60 people have been rescued and a search for those still missing was ongoing.

Boat accidents are common in Nigeria.

They are usually attributed to overloading, waterway obstructions, and surging water waves during rainy season. There are also concerns about poor maintenance of the boats.

Source: BBC

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