More than 20 people are feared dead after a passenger boat carrying mostly Nigerian travellers capsized in Cameroonian territorial waters while en route from Garoua in northern Cameroon to Yola, Adamawa State.
The incident occurred late on Monday when the overloaded vessel, reportedly carrying more than 50 passengers alongside iron rods and other building materials bound for Dasin community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was caught in a violent storm and overturned.
Residents familiar with the route said locals had repeatedly warned the boat operators against embarking on the night journey because of worsening weather conditions, urging them to wait until daylight.
According to a resident, the operators ignored the warnings and insisted on sailing despite the bad weather.
Eyewitnesses said the boat encountered a powerful storm around midnight, causing it to capsize. Although initial reports indicated that more than 30 people may have drowned, local authorities have so far confirmed at least 20 deaths, with fears that the casualty figure could increase as rescue operations continue.
Sources disclosed that the accident occurred about 120 nautical miles along the Nigeria-Cameroon border corridor.
By Tuesday, the bodies of 18 victims had been recovered and buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area, while search teams continued efforts to locate those still missing.
Rescue operations involving divers and emergency responders from Nigeria and Cameroon were ongoing at the time of filing this report. Several survivors were rescued and are receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities on both sides of the international boundary.
Authorities in Nigeria and Cameroon have yet to issue a detailed official statement on the incident. Investigations into the cause of the boat mishap are expected to commence after search and recovery operations are concluded.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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