At least 64 people are feared dead after a boat capsized on a river in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria.
The wooden boat, carrying 70 farmers, overturned on Saturday morning as they were traveling to their farmlands near Gummi town.
Local authorities, aided by residents, launched a rescue operation that lasted for three hours, recovering six survivors from the water.
Aminu Nuhu Falale, a local administrator leading the efforts, confirmed this was the second such incident in the Gummi Local Government Area.
He said emergency teams were working diligently, hoping to find more survivors.
The local traditional ruler explained that over 900 farmers cross the river daily, but only two boats are available, resulting in frequent overcrowding.
Zamfara State, already struggling with criminal gangs and mineral resource disputes, has been severely impacted by flooding.
Two weeks ago, heavy rains displaced more than 10,000 residents, further complicating the region’s situation.
The search for additional survivors continues as authorities urge for better safety measures along the river.
