The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that 17 bodies have been recovered, and 12 persons rescued in an accident where a boat carrying 104 people capsized in Taraba State.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, involved mostly local traders, including women and children, who were returning from the Mayorenero fish market in Ardo-Kola Local Government en route to Binnari in Karim-Lamido Local Government, both in Taraba State.
Speaking to BBC Hausa on Monday, the Director of Emergency Services at NEMA, Bashir Garga, said rescue operations are still ongoing.
The boat capsized in the Benue River.
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Some of the victims have been buried by the riverside at Mayoreneyo and Binnari.
The acting chairman of inland water transporters in Taraba, Jidda Mayoreneyo, told Daily Trust that six of the victims were buried yesterday in Mayoreneyo.
He said the families of the victims have granted the association approval to bury them.
He added that other victims were buried at Binnari where the boat capsized on Saturday.
Jidda stated further that four more bodies recovered were buried at the riverside after approval was granted by their families.