17 dead, over 70 missing following northern Nigeria boat capsizing

Authorities in Nigeria have reported that 17 people were killed while at least 73 others have gone missing after a passenger boat capsized in the northern state of Taraba on Saturday, October 28.

The unnamed vessel was transporting over 100 passengers including women and children along the Benue River when it capsized on Saturday, emergency services officials have confirmed.

Rescuers found 14 survivors and the bodies of 17 deceased individuals from the surrounding waters as the search operation for the boat’s missing passengers and crew lasted well into Monday, October 30. Local fishing boat crews are also assisting in the search.

Officials have attributed the capsizing to overloading, though the investigation into the incident will still proceed.

A police spokesperson told local media that the search operation is being hampered by the rising water level of the Benue, raising the possibility of additional bodies being found even farther downstream from the site of the tragedy.

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