Nigeria: Thirteen Dead in Boat Accident

At least thirteen people have died and dozens are missing after a boat accident in Niger State, north-central Nigeria. The boat, carrying approximately 100 passengers, capsized and sank on Saturday.

Twenty-six people, mainly women and children, were rescued. Local authorities report that the exact causes of the accident have not been clarified, but there are indications of overloading.

Yusuf Lemu, an official with the Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the rescue of the 26 people. Isiyaku Akilu, another local official, stated that the captain could not confirm the exact number of passengers.

Most passengers were heading to a local market. Adamu Ahmad, a member of the boat operators' association, also confirmed that the boat was overloaded.

Boat accidents are common in Nigeria. Nine months ago, a similar accident resulted in the death of 60 people.