A boat carrying passengers returning from a wedding capsized on the Niger River early Monday, according to local media, and passengers were still reported missing Tuesday.
At least 106 of the estimated 250 passengers on board were killed, Kwara Police confirmed in a statement released Wednesday. Police say 144 people have been rescued so far.
The passengers were reportedly returning from an Egboti village wedding in Nigeria’s Niger state when the boat sank in neighboring Kwara, near the town of Patigi. The boat had been “suddenly overpowered by river waves and smashed against a tree,” according to a local daily, the Nigerian Tribune.
Regional authorities shared their condolences on social media. “The Governor sends his heartfelt condolences to the people of these communities and those from other states,” Rafiu Ajakaye, chief press secretary for the Kwara state governor, said in a statement.
Ajakaye wrote that “dozens” were feared killed in the accident, with “many others” still missing. Rescue efforts and the search for survivors have been ongoing since Monday night, according to Ajakaye’s statement.
This is a developing story and it will be updated.
