At least 64 dead in accident involving boat carrying farmers in Nigeria, local authorities say

(Reuters) – At least 64 people died after a boat accident on a river in Zamfara state, in the northwestern Nigerialocal authorities reported on Saturday.

This morning, a wooden boat carrying 70 farmers capsized as it was ferrying them across the river to their farmland near the town of Gummi.

Local authorities quickly mobilised residents for a rescue operation and within three hours, six survivors were pulled out of the water.

“This is the second time such an incident has occurred in Gummi Local Government Area,” said Aminu Nuhu Falale, the local administrator who led the rescue efforts.

He added that emergency teams were stepping up the search in the hope of finding more survivors.

More than 900 farmers rely on crossing the river daily to access their farmland, but there are only two boats available, often leading to overcrowding, the local traditional ruler said.

Zamfara state, already plagued by criminal gangs seeking control of mineral resources, has also been severely affected by flooding caused by heavy rains.

Two weeks ago, flooding displaced more than 10,000 residents, according to local authorities.