Over 40 feared dead in Nigeria river boat capsizing

Authorities in Nigeria have reported that at least 40 people have gone missing and are feared to have died after a passenger boat capsized in a river in Kebbi state in the north of the country on Monday, October 2.

The boat was ferrying over 50 passengers to Kebbi’s Yauri local government area when it encountered rough waters that caused it to capsize.

A search and rescue (SAR) operation was launched immediately afterwards and also involved divers. Only ten survivors have been found as of Thursday, October 5.

Officials said the SAR operation is being hampered by the high water level and the currents brought about by the rainy season.

This is the second fatal passenger vessel incident to occur in northern Nigerian waters in less than a month.

On September 10, a passenger boat capsized in Niger state, killing 26 people while another 44 went missing. Of the more than 100 occupants who were on the boat, only 30 survived the incident.