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Nigerian authorities have said that a boat with 160 passengers onboard on Wednesday sank in the Niger River.
The accident happened due to what reports say was as a result of an overloaded boat.
The boat was meant to ferry not more than 80 passengers, according to officials who revealed that the vessel was also loaded with bags of sand from a gold mine.
Close to 140 people are still said to be missing in northwest Nigeria, a local official said.
Abdullahi Buhari Wara, administrative head of Ngaski district told the media that the boat left central Niger state and was heading to northwest Kebbi state when it split and sank.
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“A rescue operation is underway but only 22 survivors and one dead body have been recovered,” Wara said adding “We are talking of around 140 passengers still missing.”
Boat disasters are becoming common in Nigeria with 30 people drowning this month when an overloaded boat capsized in central Niger state.
Traveling on boats is also common in communities as it has become a significant means of traveling to work, school among others.
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Source: Africafeeds.com
