At least 27 people have died after a boat capsized on the Niger River in central Nigeria, authorities confirmed Friday.
The accident occurred late Thursday as the boat carried traders from the Missa community in Kogi State to a market in neighboring Niger State.
Sandra Musa, spokesperson for Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, stated that rescue operations are ongoing, and the final death toll remains uncertain.
“So far, 27 bodies have been recovered, but efforts to locate any survivors or additional victims continue,” Musa told Reuters.
Passengers aboard the boat were reportedly not wearing life jackets, a factor that significantly heightened the tragedy’s severity, officials said.
The National Inland Waterways Authority described the victims as local traders, many traveling to the weekly market to sell goods.
Boat accidents are a recurring issue in Nigeria, often attributed to overloading, poor vessel conditions, and inadequate safety measures.
This latest incident has reignited calls for stricter regulations and improved safety protocols on Nigeria’s waterways.
