Death toll in Nigerian boat accident rises to 97
This 2009 file photo shows a dredger flushing water from the River Niger near Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Lagos,
The death toll from a recent boat accident in the northwestern Nigerian state of Kebbi has risen to 97, with no more hope for survivors, an official said late on Sunday.
Babale Umar-Yauri, secretary of the Kebbi state government, said search and rescue operation teams have so far retrieved 97 bodies from the boat mishap on May 26.
"The bodies had been buried while 22 people were rescued," Umar-Yauri said.
The boat was believed to be overloaded with passengers who were on their way to a market in Kebbi from a village in neighboring Niger state on May 26.
Boat accidents in the West African country are frequently reported due to overloading, bad weather and faulty operations.
