No fewer than 40 people are feared dead after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, August 20, as the farmers were crossing a stream to access their farms.
According to eyewitnesses, the boat was carrying mostly young people, including children between the ages of 10 and 15, when it capsized shortly after setting off.
The village head was also said to be among those on board but was reportedly rescued along with five other people.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” an eyewitness said.
The source explained that those on the boat included farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to assist with the rice harvest.
“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” the eyewitness added.
The incident has left the community in mourning as rescue teams and local divers continue efforts to locate anyone who may still be missing.
Authorities are yet to provide an official figure for the casualties as rescue operations continue.