By LAGOS, Nigeria – At least 64 people are feared dead following a boat accident on a river in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, local officials said on Saturday.
The wooden boat, carrying 70 farmers, capsized while transporting them across the river to their farmlands near Gummi town on Saturday morning. Local authorities quickly mobilized residents for a rescue operation, and after three hours, six survivors were pulled from the water.
“This is the second time such an incident has occurred in the Gummi Local Government Area,” said Aminu Nuhu Falale, a local administrator who led the rescue efforts.
He added that emergency teams were intensifying their search in hopes of finding more survivors. Zamfara State, already troubled by criminal gangs vying for control of mineral resources, has also been severely impacted by flooding caused by heavy rains. Two weeks ago, more than 10,000 residents were displaced by floods, according to local officials.
More than 900 farmers rely on crossing the river daily to access their farmlands, but only two boats are available, often leading to overcrowding, said the local traditional ruler.
Nigeria Boat Accident.
