At least 5 dead after boat capsizes on Nigerian river

DUTSE, Nigeria (The Informant247) – At least 5 people died after a boat capsized in Nigeria’s Jigawa state in the northwest of the country, a state police spokesperson said Tuesday.

The boat was carrying 9 people across a river in Gwaram Local Government Area when it sank. Six people managed to escape, Police spokesperson Lawan Shiisu Adam said.

“Four of the passengers, one Barkeji, aged 60 years, and three others all of Martaba village were rescued alive.

“With the aid of divers, five corpses were recovered. They were Lukateru, 60 years; Musa, 50 years; Sale, 50 years; Alh Shuaibu, 60 years; and Dogo, 50 years, all of Darazau herdsmen settlement camp in Bauchi State,” Adam said.

The corpses had been released to relatives for burial.

Boat capsizings are common on Nigerian waterways due to overcrowding and lack of maintenance, particularly in the annual rainy season.

Last week, a locally made boat sank in a river in the state killing two people.