Cuba expresses condolences to Nigeria over shipwreck that killed at least fifty

Cuba has extended its condolences to Nigeria after a devastating river shipwreck claimed the lives of at least 50 individuals, predominantly children. The tragedy occurred on Thursday in the northwestern part of the country when a boat carrying around sixty passengers capsized.

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Condolences to the government and people of Nigeria for the regrettable death of at least 50 people, mostly children, after a boat capsized in Sokoto state, in the northwest of the country.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez conveyed the nation's sympathy via X, formerly Twitter. "Condolences to the government and people of Nigeria for the regrettable death of at least 50 people, mostly children, after a boat capsized in Sokoto state, in the northwest of the country," he posted.

According to Musa Dahiru, a local resident from Gorau village in the Goronyo local government area where the incident took place, the boat was heading towards farms when it sank. He indicated that the vessel was likely overloaded. Many of the victims were reportedly working as day laborers in local rice paddies, a region where child labor is common.

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They were heading to the farms when the incident occurred.

Boat and ferry accidents are a recurring problem in Nigeria, often attributed to overcrowded conditions, poor vessel maintenance, and disregard for navigation rules. These incidents frequently result in significant loss of life, particularly in rural areas reliant on water transport.

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About sixty people were traveling, and the boat capsized due to excess weight.