21 feared dead after boat collision in Nigeria

By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

KANO, Nigeria (AA) - At least 21 people drowned after two unregistered passenger boats capsized after colliding in Nigeria’s Lagos state, police confirmed Tuesday.

The incident occurred in the town of Imore in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.

The boats, each carrying 16 passengers, capsized in the middle of a lagoon.

Lagos state police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the incident occurred on Monday.

He said 11 passengers with injuries were rushed to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija.

Police teams, local divers and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to the scene.

Hundeyin confirmed that efforts are underway to recover the bodies of those who drowned, adding an investigation into the incident is being conducted.

Last week, 48 people died and around 150 others went missing when a boat capsized in Kebbi state.

The boat was carrying around 300 passengers.