By Ghazali Ibrahim
About 40 people are feared dead after a boat carrying more than 70 farmers and agricultural labourers capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident reportedly occurred while the passengers were crossing a stream to access their rice farms.
According to eyewitness accounts, many of those on board were children aged between 10 and 15 who were travelling alongside farmers and labourers heading to the farms.
A local journalist at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, said about 40 bodies had been recovered, while six people, including the village head, were rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” Kiliya told reporters.
He said the passengers comprised farm owners and labourers hired to harvest rice, adding that the canoe capsized shortly after it set off.
“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said.
The village head was reportedly among those travelling in the boat but survived the accident.
Local divers and residents have joined the rescue operation as efforts continue to locate passengers who remain missing.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of water transportation in rural communities, where farmers often rely on canoes and boats to access their farms, particularly during the farming season.
Rescue operations were still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
