20 Dead in Boat Explosion in Nigeria

At least 20 people were killed in an explosion aboard a wooden boat in southern Nigeria, according to a police spokesperson on Thursday.

The incident occurred on Wednesday in Bayelsa State, but reports were delayed due to the remote location of the accident.

The boat, carrying over 60 passengers at the time of the explosion, sank in a river. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, with only a few survivors having been rescued so far.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown.

Bayelsa State, located in the Niger Delta region, has a significant network of rivers and creeks, making it heavily reliant on water transport.

The challenging geography and limited infrastructure in some areas contribute to the difficulties in managing and responding to such incidents promptly.