Survivors receiving treatment. Photo Credit: CNN

Scores of people are missing and feared dead after an overloaded boat capsized in Kebbi State on Wednesday with around 180 passengers on board, government authorities have said.

The boat is believed to have capsized 30 minutes after taking off from Loko Mina in Niger State.

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello described the incident as unfortunate as he sympathized with the families, relatives, and close associates of those who died in the mishap.

The victims, most of whom are traders were said to be heading to a market in Kebbi State when the accident took place.

Authorities say search and rescue operations are ongoing. As at the time of filing this report, 20 persons were said to have been rescued with the bodies of four others recovered from the water.