A survivor of Nigeria's boat accident in River Niger that has claimed 106 lives has told the BBC that many women died trying to save their children.
The boat capsized after part of the vessel collapsed, causing water to flood the boat, police said.
Figures provided by local rescuers indicate that 144 people survived the boat accident.
One village in the Patigi local government area of Kwara state, where the incident occurred, had the highest number of casualties. Locals there say 61 died, mostly women and children.
Mohammed Alhassan, a survivor, said the women would not leave their children and so they drowned together.
“My sister was with us on the boat,” he told the BBC. “She survived but her seven-year-old son died".
Aisha Mohammed, another woman who lost her three grown daughters in the accident said the girls were soon to be married.
Other survivors also described how many fathers hung on to some of their children while those they could not bring to shore died.
Some young men were however able to swim to safety after the boat broke in half.
Safety is one of the major concerns raised as many people did not have life jackets. Overloaded boats are common and travellers often don't take safety precautions.
Latest Stories
-
MIIF CEO appointed to board of Atlantic Lithium
3 mins -
Engage cement manufacturers to understand reasons for price hike – AGI CEO to Trades Minister
8 mins -
NHIA CEO announces free medical screening for Ghanaians on their birthdays
11 mins -
Daniel Obeng Fianko appointed as Events Coordinator for BIDEC
12 mins -
Cedi depreciation shot up cement prices – COCMAG
17 mins -
Susuma Pan-African Dance Ensemble to represent Ghana at Ohio Black Expo in USA
23 mins -
Richard Ahiagbah doubts Mahama’s AI plan to tackle galamsey; describes it as a vote-seeking gimmick
39 mins -
Government’s revenue-mobilisation approach worsens inequality – Prof Bokpin
42 mins -
Premier League: The nine reasons why Wolves want VAR scrapped
42 mins -
Cedi could hit GHC20 against the dollar -Amoabeng
42 mins -
I will change the president if given the chance- Kofi Amoabeng
47 mins -
Euro 2024: Hummels and Brandt miss out as Germany announce squad for tournament
1 hour -
Rein in unbudgeted fiscal spending to strengthen cedi – Minority to govt
1 hour -
Change of panel on Opuni case worrying – LINSOD
1 hour -
We’ve disbursed over GH₵7.5bn in loans to Ghanaians so far – Bills founder
1 hour