00:00 The boat mishap happened in Egbu village in the Partigi local government area of Kwara
00:05 State.
00:06 Latest report from the area indicates that the boat was carrying more than 300 passengers.
00:13 According to the airman of the Partigi Emirate Council, Ibrahim Humar Bolugi, 150 people
00:19 are confirmed dead while more than 90 people are missing.
00:23 53 people were rescued alive.
00:26 The police and the Kwara State government say rescue efforts are ongoing.
00:31 More than 24 hours after the incident, hopes of finding many survivors are beginning to
00:36 fade as rescue effort is hampered by the remoteness of the area.
00:42 Many of the passengers who include children are awaiting guests travelling from neighboring
00:46 Niger State.
00:47 The boat was travelling in the Niger River when it sank.
00:51 Some reports indicate that the accident happened due to engine failure.
00:56 But accidents with high dead tools are common in Nigeria, especially in river run areas
01:02 where people regularly travel by boat.
01:05 Past accidents have been blamed on overloading and poorly maintained boats which are prone
01:10 to sinking.
01:11 The situation is made worse as passengers normally travel without life jackets.
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