Nigeria: At Least 27 Dead, Several Missing After Boat Capsizes In Niger River

A Nigerian river ferry capsized Friday killing at least 27 people and leaving many missing, officials told AFP of the latest in a series of mass drownings on the country’s busy waterways.

The disaster happened on the Niger, near Dambo in Kogi state, at a point where West Africa’s mightiest river can be more than 600 metres (yards) across.

It’s unclear how many people were on board, people don’t usually keep a record of passengers,” said Sandra Musa, of the state emergency management agency. “Search and rescue is still ongoing for survivors and possible bodies.”

Musa said 27 bodies had been recovered. Kogi State Red Cross spokesman Abubakar Abullahi said the boat reportedly had more than 50 people on board.

Villagers and volunteers downstream of the accident have been urged to be on the lookout for bodies.

“It’s not clear what caused the accident,” Musa said. “It could be from turbulence or from the boat hitting a snag. Boat operators don’t usually have life jackets, so none of the bodies recovered had life jackets on.

“The age of the boat might have played a role. Usually the lifespan of boat is between five and ten years, but you see boats aged 20 years. We will have a better idea of the situation tomorrow.”

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s office issued a statement lamenting the casualties and urging private boat operators and local authorities to ensure safety improvements.