A passenger boat carrying mostly Nigerian travellers has capsized in Cameroonian territorial waters, leaving more than 20 people feared dead during a late-night journey to Adamawa State.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday night as the vessel travelled from Garoua in northern Cameroon to Yola, Nigeria. According to local sources, the boat was carrying over 50 passengers, along with iron rods and other building materials destined for Dasin community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Residents familiar with the route said the operators were repeatedly warned against embarking on the trip because of worsening weather conditions. They reportedly ignored advice to postpone the journey until daylight.
Witnesses said the boat encountered a violent storm around midnight, causing it to overturn. While initial reports suggested that more than 30 people may have drowned, local authorities have so far confirmed at least 20 deaths, with fears that the toll could increase as search and rescue efforts continue.
The accident reportedly occurred about 120 nautical miles along the Nigeria–Cameroon border corridor.
By Tuesday, the bodies of 18 victims had been recovered and buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area, while emergency teams continued searching for those still missing.
Rescue operations involving divers and emergency responders from both Nigeria and Cameroon remain underway. Several survivors have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment at hospitals in border communities on both sides of the international boundary.
Authorities in Nigeria and Cameroon are yet to release a comprehensive official statement on the incident. An investigation into the cause of the tragedy is expected once search and recovery operations are concluded.
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