Dozens missing after boat capsizes in Nigeria's Jigawa State
via SeneNews6 min read
Dozens of people are missing and presumed dead after a boat capsized in Jigawa State, northwestern Nigeria, according to police and rescue services. The accident, which occurred on Sunday, has led to concerns about maritime safety during extreme weather conditions. Police spokesperson Shi'isu Adam reported that up to 40 people, including women and children, drowned while crossing a river. One body was recovered on Sunday, and five more were found on Monday morning. The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA reported a lower toll, with five confirmed deaths, 20 people missing, and 15 passengers rescued. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Jigawa State, like several others in Nigeria, is vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season, which typically runs from May to November, making river navigation dangerous. Boat accidents are common in Nigeria, often attributed to vessel overload, excessive speed, poor maintenance, and disregard for navigation rules. In October, 26 people died in a boat accident on the Niger River in Kogi State, and in September, a boat capsized in Niger State, killing at least 32 people. Climate change is exacerbating monsoon variations across the continent, leading to an increase in natural disasters that threaten millions of inhabitants and compromise food security.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
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