Nigeria: 53 feared dead when boat capsizes

Officials say victims were mostly citizens of bordering Niger who were coming to trade in northwest Nigeria

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA)

At least 53 persons are reported killed after a boat capsized in northwestern Nigeria, many probably from the neighboring Republic of Niger, according to officials.

“We are aware of the unfortunate incident which occurred around Lolo in the village of Bagudo on the River Niger,” in Kebbi state, Suleiman Mohamed of Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) told Anadolu Agency.

“There were 53 victims who are thought to have died, since divers couldn't see them, while 47 were rescued,” he added.

Mohamed said around 150 people were on board the boat when it capsized, but other sources said about 100. There was no word on the fate of other passengers, or why the boat capsized.

Nigeria’s official news agency NAN quoted local government official Mohamed Zagga as confirming the incident.

The majority of passengers were traders from the village of Gaya in the Republic of Niger, to Nigeria’s north, said Zagga.

“They were going to a market in Lolo when their boat capsized,” he added.

Kaynak: