At least 40 people are feared dead after a boat carrying more than 50 farmers capsized in northwest Nigeria’s Zamfara state on Saturday. The wooden boat, overloaded with passengers, overturned as it was ferrying the farmers across a river near Gummi town. Local authorities reported that only 12 survivors were rescued shortly after the incident.
Na’Allah Musa, a political administrator in the flood-affected Gummi district, confirmed that overcrowding likely caused the vessel to sink. This tragedy is the second of its kind in the area. Aminu Nuhu Falale, who led the rescue efforts, noted that over 900 farmers cross the river daily with only two boats available, often leading to dangerous overcrowding.
In a statement, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences for the farmers’ deaths and also addressed the recent flooding in the Gummi area, which has displaced more than 10,000 people. Tinubu promised support for the victims of both tragedies.
Boat accidents are common in Nigeria’s waterways, particularly during the rainy season. Many vessels lack life jackets or proper safety equipment, exacerbating the risks. Just last month, nearly 30 farmers drowned in Sokoto state, and three days prior, 15 farmers died in a canoe accident in Jigawa state.
