20 Dead After Boat Capsizes in Nigeria’s River

At least 20 people have died after a boat capsized in the Benue River in central Nigeria, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The vessel was reportedly carrying traders and shoppers returning from a weekly market when the tragic incident occurred.

According to The Vanguard, local police in Benue State stated that 11 survivors were rescued from the water, while search efforts for additional victims are ongoing.

Police spokesperson Catherine Anene confirmed the recovery of 20 bodies and emphasized the continued operation to locate missing individuals.

Eyewitness reports suggest that overloading was the primary cause of the accident. The boat was packed with passengers despite warnings to reduce the load.

Many reportedly refused to disembark due to the late hour and their urgency to return home.

This accident adds to Nigeria's grim tally of boat-related fatalities, with over 200 deaths reported this year alone.

Overcrowding, lack of safety measures, and poorly maintained vessels are common contributors to these tragedies.

In a similar incident in late November, at least 27 people perished, and dozens went missing after a ferry sank in the Niger River near Kogi State's Dambu area.