At least 64 feared dead in Nigeria boat accident
- A wooden boat carrying 70 farmers capsized while crossing a river in Zamfara State, Nigeria, on Saturday morning.
- Local authorities organized a rescue operation, resulting in six survivors being found after three hours of searching.
- The incident highlights the dangers faced by farmers in the area, where overcrowding on limited boats is a recurring issue.
A tragic boat accident occurred on Saturday morning in Zamfara State, Nigeria, where a wooden vessel carrying 70 farmers capsized while attempting to cross a river. Local officials reported that at least 64 individuals are feared dead, prompting immediate rescue efforts. After three hours of searching, six survivors were successfully pulled from the water, but the fate of many others remains uncertain. This incident is particularly alarming as it marks the second such occurrence in the Gummi Local Government Area, raising concerns about safety measures in place for river crossings. The local community heavily relies on these boat crossings to access their farmlands, with over 900 farmers depending on this route daily. However, the situation is exacerbated by the limited availability of boats, with only two vessels operating in the area. This often leads to overcrowding, increasing the risk of accidents. The local traditional ruler has expressed concerns about the safety of farmers, emphasizing the need for more boats to accommodate the growing number of users. In addition to the dangers posed by overcrowded boats, Zamfara State has been grappling with severe flooding due to heavy rains, which recently displaced over 10,000 residents. The combination of criminal activities in the region and environmental challenges has created a precarious situation for the local population. As emergency teams continue their search for more survivors, the community is left to mourn the potential loss of life and reflect on the urgent need for improved safety measures to prevent future tragedies.