Kathmandu— At least 52 people died after an overcrowded boat capsized in northwestern Nigeria’s Sokoto State on Thursday, officials confirmed. The vessel was carrying over 80 passengers, primarily farm laborers traveling to work on rice farms near Gorau town in the Goronyo local government area; most of those killed were women and children. Frequent overloading and inadequate safety measures continue to contribute to deadly boat accidents in Nigeria.

The Disaster Unfolds

The boat overturned near Gorau town, according to Abdulkadir Yusuf, manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Sokoto State. Residents reported varying initial estimates of passenger numbers, ranging from 57 to over 70 individuals. Samaila Garba, a local resident, stated he personally counted at least 42 bodies, noting that many were women and children who regularly travel to farms during the rainy season for work.

Rescue Efforts and Community Impact

Nasiru Adamu, a Sokoto state lawmaker, reported that 16 people had been rescued following the capsizing. Another Gorau resident, Aminu Dan Hajiya, described the widespread impact on the community, stating that nearly every household has been affected by the tragedy. He also noted his regular use of the same waterway to reach his own farm.

Recurring Safety Concerns

Boat accidents are a recurring problem in Nigeria, frequently attributed to factors such as overloading and inadequate boat maintenance and safety protocols. In June, eleven people were killed when a passenger boat capsized on the Benue River during heavy rain and strong winds. This latest incident follows closely after another major disaster in Africa – a ferry capsizing on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba on August 11 that resulted in at least 94 deaths.

Authorities have not released details regarding ongoing investigations or preventative measures to address the underlying causes of these frequent boating accidents.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.