In a devastating incident in Nigeria’s north-central Niger state, a boat carrying residents of Dugga village capsized, resulting in at least eight fatalities and dozens still missing.
The passengers were en route to neighboring Kebbi state for business purposes, intending to sell grain and sugar cane.
The Niger state Emergency Management Agency reported that the accident claimed the lives of five women and three men, with ten individuals rescued.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Boat accidents have been a recurring issue in Nigeria, with over 1,200 lives lost between 2018 and 2023, attributed to overcrowding, lack of life jackets, and inadequate maintenance.