Fifteen people have died after a boat capsized in northwestern Nigeria, according to local police spokesman Sanusi Abubakar. The incident occurred on Tuesday when the boat, carrying 36 passengers, was en route to the village of Dundeji in Sokoto state. The boat capsized in the middle of the river, resulting in the deaths of 13 females and two males, including children. The remaining 21 passengers were rescued alive.
The accident is the latest in a series of boat capsizings in Nigeria’s river communities, where locally-made boats are a common means of transportation. Overloading and the use of poorly maintained boats are often cited as the reasons behind such tragedies.
The victims were reportedly on their way to collect firewood, and the villagers gathered with their families at the local square to mourn the loss. Umar Yabo, a local representative, expressed his condolences and described the deaths as a great loss to the community, which is approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Sokoto, the state capital.
Meanwhile, local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.