Nigerian media reported on Wednesday, quoting the head of the Niger State Emergency Agency, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, that 29 people died in the town of Gusawa in Malali district following a boat sinking.

The Guardian Nigeria quoted the agency head saying, “The incident occurred on Tuesday at around 11:30 AM, adding that the boat was carrying 90 passengers including women and children.”

He pointed out that the boat departed from Tungan Sol in Shagunu district with 90 people on board and was heading to Doga for a condolence visit.

He confirmed that “29 bodies were recovered and 50 people were rescued alive while two remain missing,” adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing.

According to the emergency agency head, “Overloading and collision with a tree trunk are believed to be the causes of the incident.”