A tragic boat accident in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, has left at least 64 people feared dead, according to local officials on Saturday.
The wooden vessel, which was carrying 70 farmers to their fields near Gummi town, capsized early Saturday morning.
Local authorities quickly organized a rescue effort, managing to save six survivors after three hours of searching.
Aminu Nuhu Falale, a local administrator who led the rescue operation, noted that this is the second such incident in the Gummi Local Government Area.
He also mentioned that emergency teams are continuing their search for additional survivors.
The river crossing is crucial for over 900 farmers who need to access their lands daily, but with only two boats available, overcrowding is common, according to a local traditional ruler.
Zamfara State is grappling with multiple crises, including criminal gangs and severe flooding. Recently, heavy rains have displaced over 10,000 residents, exacerbating the region’s challenges.
