At least 40 people were reported dead following a boat accident in Gummi town, Zamfara State.
According to local resident Musa Ahmed, the victims were en route to their farms early Saturday morning when their boat capsized and sank in the river.
Ahmed also mentioned that the Emir of Gummi, Justice Lawal Hassan (rtd), had sent his condolences to the families of the victims.
Of the 53 farmers and children on board, only 12, including the boat’s captain, were rescued.
The remaining 41 passengers were confirmed dead.
“When the boat capsized today Saturday morning, I was one of those who were present near the river close to Gummi town.
“Immediately the boat capsized, it sank into the river with all the passengers.
“We did our best to rescue them but unfortunately we were only able to bring out 12 persons alive including the captain of the boat.
“The bodies of the other 41 passengers were evaluated out of the water.”
He told reporters over the phone that Na’Allah Musa, the Sole Administrator of Gummi Local Government Area, Zamfara said the boat was overloaded.
He added that the boat’s captain had warned the passengers that some of them needed to disembark, but they all refused to listen.
“There were many people on the boat and the captain did all he could to reduce the number but nobody wanted to be left behind.
“When he did all he could to reduce the number but failed, he was left with no option but to start going.
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“As he moved forward, the boat capsized and sank into the river due to overloading.
“Only four of the passengers were able to swim out of the river while the rescue operators were able to save others.
“There were many casualties but actually, I can’t exactly tell you how many of them have died because we are still looking for other missing passengers,”said the Sole Administrator.
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