Approximately 40 individuals lost their lives when a boat capsized in Gummi town on Saturday, the headquarters of Gummi Local Government Area in Zamfara State. According to Hassan Dauran, Director of Emergency at the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA), the boat was carrying around 50 passengers when the tragic accident occurred.
Reports indicate that only a few passengers were rescued alive, with the majority, including many women and children, tragically succumbing to the disaster. Eyewitnesses revealed that the victims were en route to their farms in the early hours of Saturday when the boat capsized and sank in the river. Out of the 53 farmers on board, only 12 were rescued, including the boat’s captain, while 41 were confirmed dead.
The Emir of Gummi, Justice Hassan Lawal (retired), expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as a profound tragedy. He prayed for the souls lost in the accident and for strength for their grieving families.
This latest incident is part of a disturbing trend of boat mishaps in Nigeria, which have claimed numerous lives in recent times. Just two days prior, two individuals drowned in a boat accident in the Ipoki Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Similarly, on August 8, five lives were lost in a canoe accident in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State when a canoe carrying 20 passengers capsized while crossing the Gamoda River near Nahuce village. In another incident on July 8, one person died, and 18 others were rescued after a boat accident on the Kwalgai River in Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The frequency of these tragedies underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and regulations for water transport to prevent further loss of life.
