ABUJA – Five persons have been rescued and nine bodies recovered from the boat accident that occurred on Sunday in Mashayar Yandaga River in Gummi Local Area of Zamfara State.
The boat involved in the accident was carrying over 40 passengers, mostly farmers and crew men when it capsised as a result of what was described as overload and high river currents.
A statement on Tuesday by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Abuja said following the incident, rescuers consisting mostly of local divers and fishermen were mobilised who managed to rescue five.
“Sadly, nine bodies of the passengers have been recovered so far, while search and rescue operations is continuing.
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However, other passengers comprising of men, women, and children remain unaccounted for.
“Communities situated downstream along the river channel have been alerted to help in looking out for bodies that may be floating to their location.”
The statement said that the NEMA through its Sokoto Operation Office in conjunction with Zamfara State Emergency Agency, Gummi Local Government authorities, community leaders, the Red Cross, and other stakeholders are involved in the operation and carried out assessment of the disaster.
“The Director General NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, commiserate with the Government and People of Zamfara State over the incident and advised boat operators to adhere to safety measures in the conduct of their activities,” NEMA said.
