Over 27 Dead, 100+ Missing After Boat Capsizes in Nigeria

A crowded vessel carrying 200 passengers to a market sank in the Niger River, highlighting ongoing safety challenges in Nigeria's waterways.

At least 27 people have been confirmed dead and over 100 remain missing after a boat capsized on the Niger River in northern Nigeria early Friday.
The vessel, carrying about 200 passengers, was en route from Kogi State to Niger State for a food market when the incident occurred.
Authorities suspect overcrowding as a key factor in the accident, with the boat reportedly exceeding its capacity and lacking life jackets for passengers.
Rescue efforts have been hindered by delays in locating the site of the capsizing, with no survivors found 12 hours after the tragedy.
Frequent boat accidents in Nigeria are attributed to poor enforcement of safety regulations, inadequate maintenance, and the use of unsafe, overcrowded vessels.