Dozens killed as boat capsizes in Nigeria

By Olanrewaju Kola

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Dozens were killed after a boat carrying residents, including women and children, capsized in northern Nigeria, an official said on Tuesday.

The boat, which set sail from the Niger state village of Egboti, overturned on the way to Kpada village in the state of Kwara late Monday, spokesman to Kwara State Governor Rafiu Ajakaye said in a statement.

"The governor is sad to receive reports of the boat accident involving several people, particularly residents of Ebu, Dzakan, Kpada, Kuchalu and Sampi villages; all in the town of Patigi,” he said.

Ajakaye added that the governor continues to monitor the rescue efforts for possible survivors.

Sources said the accident on the Niger River occurred due to overload of passengers and luggage.