Death toll days after boat capsized in Nigeria rises to 42

By Timothy Olanrewaju

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) - The death toll from a boat that capsized while carrying hundreds of religious worshippers in Nigeria's north-central Niger State has risen to 42, officials said Friday.

Ibrahim Husseini, spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), told Anadolu Agency that more bodies were recovered Friday, days after the overloaded boat, with around 300 worshippers on board, capsized at Gbajibo in Mokwa Local Government Area. The passengers were traveling to a neighboring town for a Mawlid celebration.

"So far, 42 people copses have been recovered," Husseini said.

He added that over 150 people have been rescued by state emergency workers and local divers, with search and rescue operations still ongoing.

The boat capsized late Tuesday, shortly after departing from the Mundi community in Niger State, where the worshippers had gathered.

Local officials attributed the accident to overloading and high water levels in the river, caused by torrential rains between August and September, which have led to frequent boat accidents in the area.