According to local authorities, at least 27 people died when a boat capsized on the Niger River in central Nigeria.
The boat was carrying about 200 passengers going to a food market in the nearby state of Niger when it capsized late on Thursday, November 29. About half were reported missing, according to Ibrahim Audu, a spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.
The boat had left Kogi state and was traveling along the river in northern Nigeria when it capsized but it is unclear what caused the sinking. Some reports say the boat was overloaded. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo that most of the victims were women, traders and artisans “involved in legitimate business activities to earn a living and contribute to the economy of the state,” said in a statement.