A boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon has claimed at least 20 lives, including 18 Nigerians travelling to a community in Adamawa State.
The boat, said to have been travelling from Garoua in Cameroon to Yola in Nigeria, capsized after encountering a violent storm late Monday night, DAILY POST learnt on Tuesday evening.
Witnesses said the boat, which was carrying more than 50 passengers, was also heavily loaded with iron rods and other building materials meant for Dasin, a village in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
They recounted that the boat was caught in a severe storm around midnight, causing it to overturn. Initial estimates indicated that about 30 people might have died, but local authorities have so far confirmed that about 20 victims have been killed.
Among the deceased, the 18 identified as Nigerians have been buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore LGA, according to reliable sources, while search and rescue operations continue for passengers who are yet to be accounted for.
Divers from both Cameroon and Nigeria are said to be involved in the search, while many survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities.
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