In central Nigeria, 30 people have drowned after their overloaded boat capsized in Niger state, an emergency official said on Monday.
The boat that was carrying around 100 local traders broke in two after hitting an obstacle during a storm as they returned from a market on Saturday, said Ibrahim Audu Hussein, spokesperson for the emergency department in the State of Niger.
“Thirty bodies have been found so far and five people are still missing,” he added, adding that the accident had taken place in the village of Tijana located in the district of Munya.
“Sixty-five passengers were rescued with the help of local divers,” the spokesperson said. The search was hampered by heavy rains but divers “braved” the inclement weather, he added.
Shipwrecks, often overloaded and poorly maintained, are common in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season.
