Zamfara Boat Mishab: Nine dead, five alive as over 26 still missing‬

‪Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that five individuals have been rescued, nine bodies recovered and 26 individuals are still missing from the boat accident that occurred on Saturday, September 14, in Mashayar Yandaga River in Gummi Local Area of Zamfara State.

NEMA, in a remark on Tuesday, proclaimed that the boat involved in the accident was carrying nothing less than 40 passengers and crewmen when it capsized as a result of overload and high river currents.

‪NEMA stated that local divers and fishermen managed to rescue five persons alive and recovered nine bodies as the hunt for the remaining passengers continued.‬

The statement reads, “‪On September 14, 2024, a tragic boat accident occurred in Mashayar yandaga, (old market site) Gummi Township, within Gummi Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.‬

‪”An assessment of the incident was conducted on September 16, 2024, following reports of the disaster.‬ The boat, which was carrying over 40 passengers mostly farmers and crewmen capsized as a result of Overload and high river currents. Local divers and fishermen managed to rescue 5 alive. Sadly, 9 bodies have been recovered so far, as search and rescue operations continue. Many individuals, including men, women, and children, remain unaccounted for.‬

‪”The assessment was carried out by officials from NEMA, ZEMA, local government authorities, community leaders, the Red Cross, and other stakeholders.‬”