By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
A boat carrying over 200 passengers capsized early Friday morning along the Dambo-Ebuchi stretch of River Niger in Niger State, resulting in several fatalities.
Eyewitnesses reported that the vessel, owned by one Musa Dangana, was en route to the Katcha weekly market, transporting a mix of market women, farm laborers, and other passengers.
The boat overturned, throwing everyone on board into the river.
As of the latest updates, local rescue teams have recovered eight bodies, with ongoing search efforts aimed at finding the remaining missing individuals.
This incident follows a similar tragedy just two months ago on October 1, when a boat capsized on the Muwo Gbajibo River in the Mokwa Local Government Area, also claiming numerous lives.
Reports suggest that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets, which may have contributed to the severity of the tragedy.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement, but investigations into the cause of the capsizing are expected to begin soon.
Rescue operations continue, and local authorities are urging increased safety measures to prevent future accidents on the river.
