At least 100 people, mostly women, are missing after a boat transporting them to a food market capsized on the River Niger, authorities reported on Friday.
The boat was travelling from Kogi state to neighbouring Niger state early on Friday morning when the incident occurred, according to Ibrahim Audu, a spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.
Local media reported that at least eight people were confirmed dead at the scene, with local divers working to rescue others. Eyewitness accounts suggested the boat was carrying over 200 passengers, raising concerns that it may have been overloaded.
“The exact cause of the capsizing has not yet been confirmed. Officials in Kogi state are still trying to locate the precise location of the accident and are seeking assistance from other agencies” said Justin Uwazuruonye, who heads the National Emergency Management Agency’s operations in the state.
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