At least 31 people have died in a devastating boat accident on a river in north-central Nigeria, officials confirmed Wednesday, as rescue teams continue to search for more survivors.
The boat, which carried about 90 passengers, struck a tree trunk in the Borgu area of Niger State, according to Hussaini Isah of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency.
“So far, 50 people have been rescued,” Isah reported, though he added that the number of missing passengers remains uncertain while emergency crews press ahead with recovery efforts.
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Such tragedies are all too familiar in Nigeria’s remote regions, particularly during the rainy season. Overcrowding and poorly maintained boats are frequent causes, and experts note that many operate without essential safety measures such as life jackets.
In August, 25 people went missing when another overloaded boat overturned in Sokoto State, emphasizing the recurring dangers faced by river travelers across the country.
