Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police in central Nigeria said that at least 10 people were killed when a boat capsized along the Benue River.

In Nigeria, more than 220 people have died in boat accidents so far this year.

Most boat accidents are caused by overcrowding, poor maintenance, and lack of life jackets.

Anene reported that 10 bodies had been recovered following the accident on Saturday. A search and rescue effort is still ongoing.

She said that the boat, which was carrying mostly traders and a market to Ocholonya local government area in Agatu, capsized near the river Benue.

Melvin Ejeh of Agatu Local Government told reporters that the boat had no manifest and was mainly occupied by women traders.

"50 people were rescued alive to date." Ejeh said that the search and rescue operation was still going on. Reporting by Lanre Ola in Maiduguri, Writing by Chijioke Ahuocha Editing and Giles Elgood

(source: Reuters)