20 Feared Dead As Boat Capsizes On Nigeria-Cameroon Waterway

No fewer than 20 people are feared dead after a passenger boat capsized along the Nigeria-Cameroon waterway during a night journey from Garoua in northern Cameroon to Yola, Adamawa State.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the vessel, carrying more than 50 passengers, overturned around midnight on Monday after it was caught in a violent storm in Cameroonian territorial waters along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.

Residents reportedly warned the boat operators against embarking on the night journey due to worsening weather conditions, urging them to delay the trip until daylight. However, the warnings were allegedly ignored.

The boat was said to be transporting passengers alongside a large consignment of construction materials, including iron rods, bound for Dasin community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The heavy cargo, combined with rough weather, is believed to have contributed to the tragedy.

According to survivors and local sources, the vessel encountered a severe storm before capsizing.

Local authorities have confirmed at least 20 fatalities, although the exact number of casualties is yet to be established as search and rescue operations continue. There are fears the death toll could rise, with several passengers still unaccounted for.

Emergency responders and divers from both Nigeria and Cameroon have continued rescue and recovery efforts at the scene, while several bodies have already been recovered.

The recovered victims were reportedly taken to Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State for burial. Survivors of the incident are receiving medical treatment at hospitals in border communities.

Authorities in Nigeria and Cameroon are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, including reports that the vessel departed despite warnings over adverse weather conditions.

Rescue operations are ongoing as officials work to determine the exact number of passengers aboard the boat and account for those still missing.