Some reports suggest the passengers were returning from a wedding party.

The vessel had been travelling from Niger state to Kwara state on Monday, say local authorities. It is not known what caused the accident.

A statement from the Kwara state Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said "dozens of people were feared killed and many others [are] still missing".

According to the Emir of Patigi - the locality where it happened - more than 150 people have now been confirmed dead.

The Kwara state governor gave his "heartfelt condolences" to the victims' loved ones - and said rescuers were continuing to search for survivors.

Such accidents are sadly common in Nigeria. Just last month 14 people died after a boat capsized in nearby Sokoto state.

A map of Nigeria showing the states of Kwara and Niger, as well as the locality of Pategi and the capital Abuja.