On Sunday, a wooden boat carrying at least 26 people collapsed in a dam in Nigeria's northern Niger state.


Before colliding with a reservoir, the vessel was transporting over 100 people, including women and children, who reside in settlements between Jebba and Kainji dams in the Mokwa region of the state.


Over 30 individuals have been saved.


According to Bologi Ibrahim, the state governor's spokeswoman, a coordinated rescue effort by maritime police and local divers is underway in coordination with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.The reason of the accident is unknown at this time.











Mr Ibrahim, on the other hand, blamed overpopulation and a shortage of life jackets.


According to official sources, the majority of the passengers were crossing the dam to attend to their crops. In one of the biggest such tragedies in recent years, an overcrowded boat travelling to Niger state overturned in June after part of the vessel collapsed, forcing water to overwhelm the boat.


bbc source