More than 50 dead after boat capsizes in Nigeria

GUSAU, Nigeria – A tragic boat accident in northwest Nigeria's Sokoto state on Thursday claimed the lives of at least 51 people. The vessel, reportedly overloaded, capsized just moments after setting off on a journey across the river to a farm on the other side.

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We already buried 46 bodies, and five others have just been brought out of the river.

Local resident Ibrahim Musa, a former councilor of Gorau village in Goronyo district where the incident occurred, described the situation as dire. "We already buried 46 bodies, and five others have just been brought out of the river," he told AFP, indicating a grim confirmation of the fatalities.

Ilyasu Adamu, a local farmer, corroborated the account, stating the boat was "obviously overloaded" and sank within a minute of departure. He noted that the passengers were primarily women and children, many of whom were preparing for upcoming weddings. Adamu's count placed the toll at least 48.

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The situation is bad.

Dahir Kure, spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Sokoto state, confirmed that rescue operations are actively underway. "We are now at the scene of the boat accident and have begun rescue work," Kure stated, though he could not immediately provide an official death toll as authorities were still gathering information.

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The passengers were heading to the farm on the other side of the river. Most of them were women and children. Some of the girls were to get married soon.

Accidents involving boats are distressingly common in Nigeria, often attributed to factors such as overloaded vessels, inadequate maintenance, and disregard for safety regulations. Scores of people lose their lives annually in such incidents on the country's numerous rivers and waterways. This tragedy follows similar incidents, including at least five drownings in Jigawa state last month and 26 deaths in January when a boat carrying farmers and fishermen capsized.

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The boat was obviously overloaded.