The overloaded boat which capsized in Kebbi, Birnin Kebbi early on Wednesday, May 26, has left over 156 people missing and feared dead.
The overloaded boat which was carrying about 180 passengers left Loko Mina in Niger State about 7.30am and was heading to a market in Kebbi State before the tragic incident, according to Mary Noel-Berje, a spokeswoman for the Niger State government.
The wooden boat capsized near Wara, a town on the shores of Kainji Lake, part of the Niger River, said Yahaya Sarki, a spokesman for the governor of Kebbi.
Around 20 people have been rescued and four bodies recovered so far, Mary Noel-Berje said, adding that the search and rescue operations are ongoing while survivors were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Most of the passengers are from Kebbi State and are believed to be traders.
Authorities are citing overloading as the cause of the accident as the boat was meant to ferry not more than 80 passengers but instead had up to 180 passengers on it.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has described the incident as devastating. He offered his condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy. He also extended his gratitude to all those involved in the rescue efforts and wished those injured from the accident a quick recovery.
