The grisly allegations have sparked debate over some of the country’s most explosive issues, including race, gender-based violence and farm ownership.

The boat was carrying about 300 people on the Niger River. Rescuers continued to search for survivors.

Many others are missing after Yemeni operators instructed hundreds of African migrants on two boats near the Djibouti coast to get off and swim, the International Organization for Migration said.

Male locusts have long been observed shielding mates from other males. Researchers say this behavior may also protect the females from desert temperatures.