Tragedy in Nigeria as overloaded boat capsizes: 40 children killed and dozens missing

A boat carrying more than 70 people capsized in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria, killing at least 40 children. Rescue teams are continuing to search for bodies, and the tragic death toll is feared to rise.

The incident occurred in the morning in the Gorau area, part of the Goronio local government area. The boat was crossing a stream to take farmers, families and workers to rice fields, where they were due to plant and harvest crops.

Residents and local sources said the vessel capsized shortly after setting off. Those on board were mostly children aged 10 to 15, who were traveling with family members and other workers.

Abdulkadir Yusuf, a local official with the Inland Navigation Authority, said around 40 children’s bodies had been recovered from the scene of the accident.

Divers and local residents are searching for those still missing. Meanwhile, the authorities are working to establish the exact number of people who were on the boat.

Local journalist Sarhambilou Yahouza Kilia, who was at the scene, reported that six people had been rescued. The village chief, who was reportedly a passenger on the boat, was among the survivors.

“So far, we have recovered around 40 bodies, while six people, including the village chief, have been rescued,” he said. The rescue operation is continuing, with divers searching both for survivors and additional bodies.

Fatal boat accidents are common in Nigeria, where vessels are often overloaded and fail to meet necessary safety standards. In January, at least 25 people were killed when a boat capsized in Yobe State, in the northeast of the country.