At least 37 traders have been reported dead after a boat capsized in Gbajibo-Mudi community of Kwara State.
According to Punch, the traders were returning from a weekly market in Niger State on Thursday, when the accident occurred.
The boat which was said to have a capacity of 100 passengers, was overloaded.
An overflowing river was also linked to the tragedy.
Former chairman of the local government, Mahmoud Gbajibo, confirmed the incident on Saturday.
Gbajibo said 37 bodies were recovered from the river by the community’s rescue team.
“The boat accident occurred at about 6pm on Thursday. The traders closed from the market in Gbajigbo Mudi and were returning to their various communities in Niger state when the tragic incident occurred,” Gbajibo said.
He added that 37 corpses were recovered from the river, while many others were rescued.
“The cause of the accident can be attributed to overloading of the boat, while the water volume also contributed to it,” he added.
“Right now, the chairman of the local government and the Emir of Kaiama are in Gbajigbo Mudi community to sympathise with the people.”
