The search for missing passengers from a boat that capsized on Tuesday in Nigeria’s northwestern Kebbi state continues.
Divers and rescuers have been searching for survivors in the waters where the tragedy occurred. As previously reported, ten bodies have been recovered from the scene.
According to a Nigeria Inland Waterways official who declined to be named, the accident occurred in the state’s Koko/Besse local government area at night when a locally made boat carrying more than 100 rice farmers to Samanaji, a riverine community.
According to Kebbi police, 80 passengers were rescued alive, and rescue operations were still underway to save those who remained missing.
In recent years, Kebbi state has seen a number of boat accidents. A boat capsized in May 2021, killing more than 80 people.
A similar accident in March 2022 killed four members of the same family.
The exact cause of the recent accident is unknown. However, authorities have stated that in the past, rickety boats and overloading were factors that led to such incidents.
