Dozens dead after overloaded boat capsizes in Nigeria

At least 46 people have died in Nigeria after an overloaded boat carrying mostly children capsized in north-western Sokoto state. The boat was believed to be carrying more than 70 people, mostly children, and a search operation is ongoing. Police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai told the BBC that 46 bodies had been found, 16 people recovered safely, and 15 are still missing. One witness told Reuters he believed the children on board were travelling with farm owners and labourers heading to work on a rice harvest, and saw 50 bodies ahead of their burial. Deadly boat accidents are a recurring issue in Nigeria, often attributed to overcrowding and poor safety regulations, despite authorities recommending measures like providing safer boats and life jackets.