Dozens dead, 100 missing in Nigeria boat accident

Nigerian authorities on Saturday were looking
for survivors after a boat carrying traders capsized,
killing at least 42, an emergency agency official said.
The overloaded boat was on the Niger River between
two villages in north-central Nigeria when it capsized
Friday evening, said Mohammed Shaba, head of the
state emergency agency.
The boat was carrying 150 people, of which 42 were
confirmed dead, eight were rescued and 100 were
missing, he said.
The boat originated in the village of Malale, located in
Niger state, and was heading to Wara, a town in Kebbi
state. The two states are connected by the Niger River.
"The accident may have been caused by the overloading
of passengers, mostly traders with goods and the high
level waters on the Niger River," Shaba said.