According to Agence France Presse, "Boat accidents are common in Nigeria because of overloading, speeding, poor maintenance and disregard of traffic rules.
"[3] The boat, designed for a complement of 50 people, was carrying 85 passengers fleeing the floods in the region, which had reached roof level.
[4] Early reports claimed that 30 people had been rescued and only about 8 lost,[5][6] but President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed the death toll at 76.
"[9] President Buhari reportedly "directed the relevant agencies to check the safety protocols on the vessels plying the waters to ensure their river-worthiness.
"[10] He acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and offered prayers for the dead.