At least thirteen fatalities have been confirmed after a passenger boat capsized in Niger State, central Nigeria, according to local emergency authorities.
Niger State Emergency Management Agency head Abdullahi Baba Arah reported the vessel was overloaded with traders and agricultural produce during its Saturday voyage from Gunu community to Kwata-Zumba market.
Arah confirmed to verified media that three survivors, including the boat operator, were rescued. Search operations continue for dozens of missing persons, with exact passenger numbers remaining undetermined due to the absence of a manifest. Local divers and volunteers are assisting official rescue teams in ongoing recovery efforts.
Maritime records indicate such incidents frequently occur in Nigeria due to overloading and safety protocol deficiencies. Weather conditions at the time of the incident remain under official review.
