Every day about 900 farmers cross the river to go to their farmlands. But only two boats work to cross the river. As a result, such accidents occur due to overcrowding.
64 people are feared dead after a boat capsized in Nigeria’s northeastern state of Zhamfara. Saturday (September 14) local government officials reported this information.
The accident took place on Saturday morning when 70 farmers were trying to cross the river in a wooden boat to reach their agricultural land near Gummi town. Local authorities have started rescue operations soon after the incident. Three hours after the incident, six people were rescued alive.
Aminu Nuhu Falale, the local administrator who led the rescue team, said that this was the second such accident in Gummi. He also said that efforts are being made to rescue the missing persons. Hopefully they will be found.
The local ruler said that every day about 900 farmers cross the river to go to their farmlands. But only two boats work to cross the river. As a result, such accidents occur due to overcrowding.
According to local authorities, criminal gangs have already taken over many areas in Zamfara state to grab mineral resources. Besides, many areas have been affected by floods due to heavy rains. About 10,000 people have been displaced from the area due to floods two weeks ago.
