28 feared dead in fresh Nigeria boat mishap

LAGOS (AA) – At least 28 people, mostly students, were feared dead on Friday after a boat capsized in the Niger River in Nigeria's central Kogi State, according to eyewitnesses.

"There were over 28 casualties in the boat mishap on the Niger River near Kupa in Lokoja [Kogi State's provincial capital]. They were mostly students returning for the Eid holiday," local resident Sabitu Kperogi told Anadolu Agency by phone.

"Some were rescued by local divers, but rescue efforts… were hampered by the strong tide of the river," he added.

Fatuma Aliyu, a fish seller from Kupa, likewise confirmed the incident.

"Most of the dead are students," Aliyu told AA. "They often use canoes because these are cheaper than other forms of transport. For some, they are the only means of transport to their destination."

National Emergency Management Agency spokesman Manzo Emmanuel, for his part, neither confirmed nor denied the incident.

"We really do not have any information, so I cannot confirm or deny it. We will get across once we have information," Emmanuel told AA by phone.

Boat mishaps are a common feature of river travel in Nigeria, due largely to poor safety precautions, speeding, and the use of antiquated vessels with poor lightening systems.

In early September, at least 30 people were killed in a similar boat accident in Nigeria's central Niger State.

In recent months, well over 250 Nigerians have been killed in boat mishaps in different parts of the country.

By Rafiu Ajakaye

www.aa.com.tr/en