Abuja, Nigeria CNN —At least 26 people, mostly women and children died when a boat carrying more than 100 farmers capsized early Sunday in north-central Nigeria, the region’s second boat tragedy in three months, authorities said.
“The victims … were going for farming activities when the incident occurred between 7:30 and 8 Sunday morning,” spokesperson for the Niger state governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said in a statement.
“Twenty-six persons mostly women and children have been confirmed dead and over 30 people rescued,” the statement added.
The government statement encouraged the use of life jackets and urged locals to “desist from overcrowding boats.”Boat accidents are common in northern Nigeria.
At least 15 people had died a month before in another boat mishap in northwestern Sokoto State.
Persons:
”, Bologi Ibrahim, “
Organizations:
Nigeria CNN —, CNN
Locations:
Abuja, Nigeria, Niger, Mokwa, Sokoto State