Xinhua Agency, Kampala, October 1 (Reporter Nie Zuguo) News from Abuja: Officials from Kogi State in central Nigeria confirmed on October 1 that a ship full of passengers capsized in the Niger River on the evening of September 30, killing 26 people so far.

Kingsley Van Vaughn, information and communications commissioner for Cogie, said on social media that most of the passengers on board were merchants from Cogie to Edom.

According to local media reports, the death toll from the accident may rise further.

In a statement, Nigerian President Tinubo expressed his condolences to the victims and urged local emergency services to step up rescue operations.