A local official reported that at least 60 people died after a boat capsized in northern Niger State, Nigeria. The boat was carrying mostly women and young children who were returning from a religious celebration.

Jibril Abdullahi Muregi said that about 160 people were rescued from the River Niger after a wooden boat carrying nearly 300 passengers capsized on Tuesday evening near the Gbajibo Community.

Muregi, in a late-night statement on Wednesday, said that the boat was returning from Mundi to Gbajibo after the Maulud festival when tragedy struck.

He said that rescue operations continue.

The boat's sinking was not immediately apparent.

Most boat accidents in Nigeria are caused by overcrowding, poor maintenance and lack of safety equipment. (Written by Elisha Gbogbo, edited by Frances Kerry).

(source: Reuters)