At least thirteen people have been confirmed dead and dozens more remain missing after a boat carrying around 100 passengers capsized on Saturday in north-central Nigeria’s Niger State, authorities said on Sunday.
The wooden boat was ferrying traders, mostly women and children, to a local market when it overturned on the River Niger.
So far, 26 passengers have been rescued, according to Yusuf Lemu, an official from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.
“The majority of those rescued are women and children,” Lemu said, noting that search and rescue operations are still ongoing.
Local official Isiyaku Akilu stated that the boat driver, who survived the incident, was unable to confirm the exact number of passengers on board.
“The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, but from all indications, it appears to be due to overloading,” Akilu said.
Adamu Ahmad, a member of the boat drivers’ union, confirmed the vessel was over capacity. “It was a large wooden boat, but it was clearly carrying too many people,” he said.
Recovery operations are underway as divers and volunteers continue to search for the missing.
In a cultural twist, Akilu also noted that rescue efforts were temporarily paused on Sunday to allow a local river custodian to conduct traditional rituals believed to ensure a smooth and successful recovery mission.
Niger State, which houses three of Nigeria’s major hydroelectric dams, has seen frequent boat tragedies over the years.
This latest incident comes just nine months after a similar accident in the region claimed the lives of more than 60 people also mostly women and children returning from a religious festival.
Poorly maintained wooden boats, overloading, and lack of life jackets are common factors contributing to the deadly accidents.
Many communities in the area rely on river transport due to limited road infrastructure.
Authorities have called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and better public awareness campaigns to reduce the frequency of such disasters.
Rescue operations continue, and families are still searching for their loved ones as hopes fade with each passing hour.
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