The World Today
Emergency teams conclude the operation after finding three bodies because no more survivors are expected.
MADRID, 21 (EUROPA PRESS)
The bodies of three people have been recovered after a barge sank last Sunday in Nigeria's northwestern state of Sokoto, while more than 20 others remain missing after the search and rescue efforts concluded, emergency authorities confirmed Wednesday.
The head of Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency, Aliyu Kafindangi, has revealed to Nigerian Channels TV that 25 of the more than 50 passengers on the boat were rescued the same day of the accident. He lamented that after that day, despite the operation over the "last three days," they have only been able to recover three bodies.
"As things stand, search and rescue operations have been suspended because it is expected that no survivors from the boat accident will be found within 24 hours," he added.
The barge, which capsized while sailing toward the market in the town of Goronyo, was overloaded, carrying not only the 50 people but also seven motorcycles and other items, Kafindangi said.
