A boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon has claimed the lives of no fewer than 18 Nigerians and two other foreign nationals 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.
It was gathered that the boat, which was conveying 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.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the boat was caught in a severe storm around midnight, causing it to capsize.
Initial estimates indicated that about 30 people might have died, but local authorities have so far confirmed that about 20 victims have been killed.
The 18 deceased victims 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 have yet to be accounted for.
Divers from both Cameroon and Nigeria are involved in the search.
Many other survivors are still receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities.
