Around 40 Children Killed in Boat Capsizing in Northwestern Nigeria

Around 40 Children Killed in Boat Capsizing in Northwestern Nigeria

Nigerian authorities announced on Thursday that the bodies of around 40 children had been recovered after a boat carrying more passengers than its capacity capsized off Sokoto State in northwestern Nigeria, while search operations are still underway.
An official from the National Inland Waterways Authority said rescue teams had so far recovered the bodies of around 40 children, in an initial toll from the tragic incident.
Local residents said divers from the area had participated in recovering the victims, while efforts continue to search for possible missing persons.
Nigeria frequently witnesses boat capsizing incidents, particularly in areas that rely on river transport, amid risks associated with overloading, failure to comply with safety measures, and unsafe navigation conditions.
At least 25 people were killed last January after a boat capsized in Yobe State in northeastern Nigeria, an incident that once again highlighted the need for stricter safety measures in the country’s water transport sector.