More than 70 people have died when a boat capsized in a flood-swollen river in Nigeria’s Anambra state yesterday.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that, an estimated 85 people were taking the overloaded boat on Friday when flooding of the Niger River caused it to tip over.

Buhari said the boat reportedly carrying 85 persons, capsized following rising floods in Ogbaru area of the state, with emergency services confirming a death toll of 76.

He directed the emergency services to provide relief to the victims.