At least 26 people are dead and 14 others are missing after a boat capsized in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday night. Emergency services confirmed the casualty figures on Sunday.
The vessel, a rudimentary boat, was carrying farmers and fishermen returning home from a market. It departed from Adyani village in Jagawa State around 8:00 p.m. local time and was heading to Garby in Yobe State. Local authorities stated 52 people were on board.
Search and rescue teams deployed to the scene have rescued 13 survivors so far.
Police in Jagawa State stated the boat’s driver would likely be prosecuted for negligence if he survives, citing violations of bans on night journeys and overloading.
A spokesperson for emergency services cited a failure to comply with safety regulations as a common cause of such accidents. A local official specifically identified overloading as the reason for the disaster.
