At least forty people have reportedly lost their lives after a boat capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The tragic incident happened when the victims, who are farmers and farm hands, were crossing a stream to access their rice farms.
Most of those on board were reportedly children aged between 10 and 15 years.
According to a local who was privy to the accident, more than 70 people, including the village head, were on the boat when it capsized shortly after departure.
A local journalist, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, who was at the scene, confirmed the incident, saying forty bodies have been recovered.
Kiliya disclosed that the victims comprised farm owners and labourers engaged in harvesting rice.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” Kiliya told newsmen.
According to him, the canoe capsized shortly after taking off, prompting local divers to begin rescue operations.
“Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said.
The number of casualties is expected to rise as the search for missing passengers continues.
