27 people killed; over 100 missing after boat capsizes in Niger River

By  News On Air   Nov 30, 2024

In Nigeria, at least 27 people were killed and over 100 people went missing after an overcrowded boat transporting them to a food market capsized along the Niger River yesterday.

Niger State Emergency Management Agency said, nearly 200 passengers, mostly women, were on the boat travelling from the state of Kogi to the neighbouring state of Niger when it capsized.

Kogi state emergency services said, rescuers managed to pull 27 bodies from the river, while divers were still searching for survivors. Overcrowding on boats is common in remote parts of Nigeria, where poor road infrastructure leaves many with no alternative routes.