A night journey that residents had warned against has ended in tragedy after a passenger boat carrying dozens of travellers reportedly capsized on the Nigeria-Cameroon waterway, leaving more than 20 people feared dead.

The vessel, which departed Garoua in northern Cameroon en route to Yola in Adamawa State, reportedly sailed late Monday despite repeated warnings from residents who advised the crew to delay the trip until daylight because of worsening weather conditions.

Witnesses said the operators ignored concerns about the approaching storm and continued the journey.The boat was reportedly carrying more than 50 passengers alongside a large consignment of construction materials, including iron rods, destined for Dasin community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The combination of heavy cargo and rough weather is believed to have contributed to the accident.

According to accounts from survivors and local sources, the vessel encountered a violent storm around midnight before overturning in Cameroonian territorial waters along the Nigeria-Cameroon border corridor.Although the exact number of casualties is yet to be determined, local authorities have confirmed at least 20 deaths, with fears that the toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.

Several bodies have already been recovered, while emergency responders and divers from both Nigeria and Cameroon remain at the scene searching for passengers who are still missing. The recovered victims have reportedly been taken to Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area for burial. Some passengers survived the incident and are receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities.

Authorities in both Nigeria and Cameroon are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, including reports that the vessel departed despite adverse weather warnings. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing as officials work to account for everyone who was on board.