At least 64 feared dead in Nigeria boat accident

More than 900 farmers in Nigeria’s Zamfara state cross the local river every day to reach their farmland. (Wikipedia photo)

LAGOS: At least 64 people are feared dead in a boat accident on a river in Zamfara state in northwestern Nigeria, local officials said on Saturday.

A wooden boat carrying 70 farmers capsized on Saturday morning as the boat was carrying them across the river on their way to their farmlands near Gummi Town.

Local authorities quickly mobilized residents for a rescue operation. After three hours, six survivors were pulled from the water.

“This is the second time such an incident has occurred in Gummi Local Government Area,” said Aminu Nuhu Falale, a local administrator who led the rescue efforts.

He added that emergency teams were intensifying their search in the hope of finding more survivors.

More than 900 farmers have to cross the river every day to reach their farmland. However, according to the local traditional ruler, there are only two boats available, which often causes the boats to become overcrowded.

Zamfara, already plagued by criminal gangs seeking control of mineral resources, has also been hit hard by flooding caused by heavy rains. More than 10,000 residents were displaced by flooding two weeks ago, local officials said.