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At least 26 bodies have been recovered during a rescue operation after a fully loaded boat capsized in Nigeria's central state of Kogi, local authorities said Wednesday.
The boat, conveying mostly traders travelling from the Ibaji local government area of Kogi to the Ilushi market in the southern state of Edo, capsized midway on the Niger River on Tuesday evening, Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communication in Kogi State, said in a statement posted on the social media platform X.
"This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, as well as the entire Ibaji local government area, during this moment of grief," Fanwo said, confirming that at least 26 bodies have been recovered so far by rescuers.
Citing witnesses, local media on Wednesday reported that more victims were involved in the incident, raising concerns that the casualty toll might increase.