27 killed as overcrowded boat capsizes in Nigeria

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 27 people have been killed and more than a hundreds have been missing after a boat capsized in northern Nigeria, a media report said on Saturday.

About 200 passengers were on the boat that was going from the Kogi State to neighbouring Niger on Friday when it capsized, Reuters reported, citing local officials.

Rescuers managed to pull 27 bodies from the river by Friday evening while local divers were still searching for others, according to Sandra Musa, spokeswoman for the Kogi emergency services.

No survivor had been found about 12 hours after the incident occurred, she added. Local media suggested the boat might have been overloaded.

Overcrowding on boats is common in remote parts of Nigeria where the lack of good roads leaves many with no alternative routes.

kk/mud