Over 40 children among at least 53 dead in Nigeria boat capsize

A boat carrying more than 70 people, predominantly children and women, capsized in a river in Nigeria's Sokoto State on August 20, resulting in at least 53 fatalities. The victims were on their way to work on farms when the vessel overturned near Goronyo town.

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About 40 child bodies have been recovered.

Rescue operations are underway, and local residents have been burying the dead, with approximately 50 bodies covered in traditional cloth awaiting funeral rites in a mosque's courtyard. A local official confirmed about 40 child bodies were recovered. The passengers were reportedly between 10 and 15 years old.

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46 people have been buried so far, and more bodies have been recovered. The total number of dead is currently 53.

"Almost every family in this village has been affected," said Aminu Dan Haiya, a resident who uses the same river route for farming. "I am fortunate not to have been on that boat."

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Most of the victims are women and children. During the rainy season, most children and women go to the farms to work.

This incident follows a similar boat accident in Nigeria's Yobe State in January, which claimed at least 25 lives. Riverine accidents are frequent in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season when rivers often flood.

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Almost every family in this village has been affected. I also use the same river to go to work on the farm. I am fortunate not to have been on that boat.