Local officials reported that at least 64 individuals are feared dead following a boat accident on a river in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, on Saturday. A wooden boat transporting 70 farmers capsized while ferrying them across the river to their farms near Gummi town that morning.
Authorities quickly organized a rescue operation, and after three hours, six survivors were retrieved from the water.
“This is the second such incident in the Gummi Local Government Area,” stated Aminu Nuhu Falale, a local administrator who oversaw the rescue efforts. He noted that emergency teams were continuing their search for additional survivors.
According to the local traditional leader, over 900 farmers depend on the river crossing daily to reach their farms, yet only two boats are available, often resulting in overcrowding.
Zamfara State, already struggling with criminal gangs vying for control of mineral resources, has also faced significant flooding due to heavy rains. Local officials reported that two weeks ago, flooding displaced more than 10,000 residents.
