Tragedy struck in Gummi, Zamfara State, on Saturday, when a boat carrying approximately 50 passengers capsized, resulting in the loss of around 40 lives.
According to Hassan Dauran, Director of Emergency at the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA), only a handful of passengers were rescued alive, with the majority, mostly women and children, unable to survive.
An eyewitness reported that the deceased were traveling to their farms early Saturday morning when the boat sank into the river.
The eyewitness estimated that 53 farmers, including children, were on board, with only 12 rescued alive, including the boat captain. The remaining 41 passengers sadly lost their lives.
The Emir of Gummi, Justice Hassan Lawal (retired), has expressed his condolences to the affected families, describing the incident as “very tragic.” He prayed for the souls of the deceased and for the strength of their loved ones to bear the loss.
This devastating incident adds to the growing concern of boat accidents in Nigeria, which have claimed numerous lives in recent times.
Recent incidents of boat accidents in Nigeria have raised concerns about water safety. In Ogun State’s Ipoki Local Government Area, a boat mishap occurred just two days ago, resulting in the loss of two lives.
In Jigawa State, a canoe carrying 20 passengers capsized on August 8 while crossing the Gamoda River, tragically claiming the lives of five people. Another boat accident occurred on July 8 in Jigawa State’s Auyo Local Government Area, resulting in one fatality and 18 rescues on the Kwalgai River
