Five people have been rescued, and nine bodies have been recovered following a boat accident that occurred on Sunday in the Mashayar Yandaga River, Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Manzo Ezekiel of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), it was reported that the boat, carrying over 40 passengers—mainly farmers and crew members—capsized due to overloading and strong river currents.
The statement followed an assessment of the disaster by NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office, alongside the Zamfara State Emergency Agency, Gummi Local Government authorities, community leaders, the Red Cross, and other stakeholders involved in the rescue effort.
Rescue teams, primarily made up of local divers and fishermen, were able to save five people alive. So far, nine bodies have been recovered, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Many passengers, including men, women, and children, remain missing. Communities downstream have been notified to stay vigilant in case any bodies float to their areas.
NEMA Director General, Zubaida Umar, expressed condolences to the government and people of Zamfara State and urged boat operators to prioritize safety measures in their operations
