At least nine persons have lost their lives in Taraba State after a boat they were in capsized.

The boat, which was reportedly carrying about 50 passengers and some goods at the time of the incident, capsized on the Mayokam river in the Bali local government area of the state.

According to reports, the boat lost control at the harbour and hit a bridge, shattering it to pieces and spilling its contents into the river.

He said many of the passengers, especially men, were able to swim out but the women and children who could not swim drowned. According to him, one of the female victims, who was badly injured, died on the way to the hospital.

He lamented that emergency officials were not available to assist in rescue operations when the incident occurred.

The councillor representing Kusunbadakoshi Ward of Bali Council, Samaila Umaru, who confirmed the incident, said nine persons, comprising five children and four women, were killed in the mishap.

The chairman of Bali council, Andy Yarima, also confirmed the incident to newsmen.