At least 35 people are missing after two boats collided head-on in the Gummi River, Zamfara State.
The incident occurred when a boat carrying over 40 passengers, mostly farmers heading to their farms, capsized following the collision.
According to Bello Abubakar, Vice Chairman of Boat Operators in Zamfara, the boat was dangerously overloaded despite warnings.
He confirmed that the driver had been cautioned against proceeding with the excessive load. Passengers, however, refused to disembark.
“The boat developed issues mid-journey, and another boat operator attempted to assist, but tragically, the two boats collided, and both sank,” Abubakar explained.
So far, rescue teams have only managed to save seven people, leaving 35 still unaccounted for.
Eye witnesses, including Zayyanu Aliyu, reported that among the passengers were men, women, and underage children. “They were warned, but they refused to step out of the overloaded boat,” Aliyu said.
Survivor Murtala Sa’idu recounted his close brush with death, stating, “I was rescued, but over 30 of us are still missing in the river.”
As of the time of this report, rescue teams and local experts are actively searching the river for the missing persons. There has been no official statement from the government regarding the incident.
Rescue efforts continue as hopes dim for the missing farmers and their families anxiously await news.
