Before it hit a reservoir, the vessel was carrying over 100 passengers, including women and children from communities between Jebba and Kainji dam.

A total of 30 people have been rescued.

Marine police and local divers are collaborating with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency to conduct a combined rescue operation, according to Bologi Ibrahim, the state governor’s spokesperson.

It is unclear what caused the mishap.

Ibrahim, however, blamed overcrowding and a lack of life jackets.

Most of the passengers were crossing the dam to attend to their farms, according to official reports.

An overloaded boat traveling to Niger state capsized in June after part of the vessel collapsed, causing water to flood the boat, causing more than 100 people to die.