25 people died as a result of a passenger boat accident on the Yobe River in Yobe State, northern Nigeria. The tragedy occurred near the city of Garbi when the vessel, carrying 52 passengers, capsized mid-route. This was reported by Associated Press, writes UNN.
Details
According to the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, 13 people were rescued and are currently receiving medical assistance. The fate of 14 more passengers remains unknown. Security services, professional rescuers, and local volunteers are involved in search and rescue operations.
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Among the passengers were local residents returning from the market, as well as farmers and fishermen. The exact causes of the incident are currently being established.
Water safety problem in the region
Water transport accidents in Nigeria are a common occurrence due to worn-out vessels, lack of rescue equipment, and neglect of safety rules. In many remote areas of the country, boats remain the only accessible means of transportation due to the critical state of road infrastructure.
This is not the first mass water tragedy in the country: just last September, 30 people died in a similar incident, and in July, another 25 passengers.