At least 27 people were killed and more than 100 are missing after a boat capsized on the Niger River in northern Nigeria on Friday. Officials said the passengers, mostly women, were headed towards a food market when the incident occurred.
According to Ibrahim Audu, spokesman for the Nigerian Navy, the boat carrying about 200 people was sailing from Kogi State to Niger State when it sank. Niger State Emergency Management AgencyKogi State Emergency Services spokeswoman Sandra Moses said rescuers had recovered 27 bodies by Friday evening, but no survivors were found 12 hours after the crash.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the accident, although local reports suggest overcrowding. Overloaded boats are common in remote Nigerian areas where poor road infrastructure limits transportation options.
Justin Uwazuruoni of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency said rescue efforts faced challenges, with teams struggling to locate the site of the boat capsizing hours after the incident.
Water transport accidents remain a frequent issue in Nigeria, often linked to overcrowding, poorly maintained boats and lack of life jackets. Efforts to implement safety measures have been limited by cost and availability, leaving travelers vulnerable to such tragedies.