Tragic Boat Capsize in Nigeria: Dozens Feared Dead

A boat carrying around 300 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized in northern Nigeria's River Niger, sparking fears of dozens of fatalities. Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, the chances of finding more survivors are deemed slim. Overcrowding and poor maintenance are usual causes of boat accidents in Nigeria.

At least dozens of individuals are feared dead following the capsizing of a boat loaded primarily with women and children. The tragic incident occurred in northern Nigeria on Tuesday evening, according to local emergency officials and residents.

The wooden vessel, which was reportedly carrying nearly 300 passengers returning from a religious festival, sank in the River Niger. Abdullahi Baba Arah, the head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, noted that rescue operations were ongoing.

Despite the rescue of 150 people by local emergency workers and volunteers, Ismaila Umar, leader of an association of boat skippers in Mokwa, expressed doubts about finding more survivors. This disaster is the second major boat accident in Niger state within an 18-month span, often attributed to overcrowding and poor maintenance.

(With inputs from agencies.)