A serious incident has occurred in Sokoto state, in northwestern Nigeria, where an overloaded boat with passengers has capsized, causing the death of at least 40 children.
The news was reported by the Reuters news agency, which cited representatives of local authorities responsible for navigation.
"I can confirm that the bodies of about 40 children have been found so far," said Abdulkadir Yusuf, regional head of the National Inland Waters Authority.
According to local officials, the accident occurred while the passengers were traveling to rice fields to participate in the planting or harvesting process.
"The accident occurred while the passengers were going to the rice fields for planting or harvesting," said Sarkin Daji, the local area chief.
Overloading of vessels and lack of safety measures remain among the main causes of such tragic incidents on the region's waterways.
