The African countrys emergency agency has said search operations are ongoing to rescue possible survivors

More than 40 people remain missing after a boat carrying around 50 passengers capsized in Nigeria's northwestern Sokoto State on Sunday, the West African country's emergency agency has reported.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the locals were traveling to Goronyo market when the incident occurred.

"About ten persons have been rescued," MENA said in a statement, adding that it is "intensifying search and rescue operations" with local authorities and emergency responders to locate the missing.

At least ten people have been confirmed dead, local media reported, citing a separate statement from the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency.

According to the Daily Trust news outlet, eyewitnesses said the boat was overloaded and was carrying motorcycles in addition to traders.

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Accidents involving passenger boats are not uncommon in Sokoto State. In June, seven people - including the canoe's paddler - reportedly drowned when their vessel capsized near Rinaye village in Shagari Local Government Area. At least ten others were killed last August after a wooden canoe overturned on the River Dundaye in Wamakko Local Government Area. In April 2022, a tragedy on the Shagari River left 26 people dead, mostly children aged 15 to 17 who were reportedly fetching firewood across the river.

The latest accident comes weeks after authorities said at least 13 people died and dozens were missing when a boat carrying about 100 passengers capsized in Nigeria's north-central Niger State.

(RT.com)