About 40 people are feared dead after a boat conveying farmers and farm workers to their rice fields capsized in Gorau, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred shortly after the boat set out to cross a stream leading to the farms.
Sources said more than 70 people were aboard the boat when it overturned, with many of the passengers reportedly children between the ages of 10 and 15.
The village head was also said to have been on the boat but was among those rescued from the incident.
A local journalist who visited the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, told our reporter that about 40 bodies had so far been recovered, while six survivors, including the village head, had been rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” he said.
Kiliya explained that those on board included rice farm owners and labourers engaged to assist with the harvesting of the crop.
He said the canoe overturned moments after leaving the shore, prompting an immediate search for those still unaccounted for.
“Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he added.
The incident has reportedly thrown the community into mourning as efforts continue to establish the full number of casualties and locate possible survivors.