Sixty-four people are feared dead following a boat accident in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Local officials reported that a wooden boat carrying 70 farmers capsized while they were en route to their farmlands in the town of Gummi.
Authorities immediately launched a search and rescue operation upon learning of the incident.
Aminu Nuhu Falae, the local administrator leading the rescue efforts, confirmed this as the second boat accident to occur in Gummi.
Falae assured that the search for possible survivors is ongoing.
It is estimated that over 900 farmers rely on the river for quick transport of raw materials to their farms in Gummi.
Zamfara State is known for its significant natural resources and criminal gangs vying for control. The state also frequently experiences severe flooding due to heavy rains.