NIGERIA, Oct 2: A boat accident on the Niger River in southern Nigeria has killed at least 26 people, authorities in Kogi State said on Wednesday.
The boat was taking traders to a market in Illushi in Edo State on the other side of the riverbank, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Kogi State commissioner for information, said in a statement on X.
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"Reports indicate that the unfortunate incident has allegedly claimed the lives of not less than 26 passengers," he said.
Accidents are common on Nigeria's busy rivers, often caused by overloaded boats, poor maintenance or failure to comply with safety regulations.
Last month, a crowded ferry boat capsized in Niger State after reportedly hitting a tree stump, drowning at least 32 people.
In late August, a boat carrying around 50 people overturned in the northwestern state of Sokoto, killing three and leaving 25 others missing.
"We call on our people, especially riverine communities, to always prioritise safety by avoiding overloading and by using life jackets and other precautionary measures whenever they travel by water," Fanwo added.
