Headlines News
20 dead as boat with pupils sinks in Kano
A boat conveying over 50 people on Tuesday evening has capsized in the northern Nigerian state of Kano.
Police say 20 bodies have been recovered and seven people rescued so far following the accident.
Many of the victims were Islamic school pupils travelling to a religious event. Officials and residents told the BBC that the boat was carrying dozens of people from the village of Badau to the town of Bagwai, where they were due to attend an Islamic religious ceremony.
A police spokesperson in Kano state says a search and rescue operation is under way. Those rescued so far have been taken to a hospital for medical attention.
It’s not yet clear what caused the boat to capsize.
In Nigeria, such accidents are often blamed on overloading and poor maintenance of the boats as well as a lack of proper regulation by the authorities.
Earlier this month, at least seven girls drowned when a boat overturned in neighbouring Jigawa state. In May, more than 100 people died in Kebbi state in a similar accident.
In May, more than 100 people died in Kebbi state in a similar accident.
