The Zamfara State Government has confirmed the tragic death of 40 people following a boat accident in Gummi Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the boat, carrying more than 40 passengers, capsized on Sunday in the Bakin Kasuwa River, located in Uban Dawaki community.
Sulaiman Idris, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, confirmed the incident and described it as a “monumental disaster.” He stated, “We received the tragic report of a boat accident in Bakin Kasuwa River in Uban Dawaki ward, Gummi Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of over 40 lives.”
In response to the accident, Governor Dauda Lawal directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to begin immediate rescue and recovery efforts. “The governor has directed SEMA to embark on immediate rescue and recovery of the dead bodies,” the statement said.
Governor Lawal also instructed the agency to assess the full impact of the accident and provide immediate assistance to the affected families. Additionally, the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters was ordered to supply relief materials to the victims and their families.
“Governor Lawal also prays for the souls of the departed victims, grieves with their families, and assured of the state government’s commitment to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Idris added.
This tragedy comes shortly after a recent flood disaster in the same area, which destroyed over 2,000 homes and farmland worth millions of naira.
