Again, boat mishap claims four lives, 12 hospitalized In Zamfara community

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Again, boat mishap claims four lives, 12 hospitalized In Zamfara community

Less than a week after a boat capsized in Gummi, killing over 40 people, another boat has capsized with over 50 passengers on board at Mashayar Garba Rogo in Bukkuyum town, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A villager, Muhammad Usman, said that the boat, which carried over 50 people, capsized on Tuesday, resulting in the drowning of four children in the tragic incident.

Two corpses were recovered, while two others remain missing. Additionally, 12 survivors are currently hospitalized at Bukkuyyum General Hospital, receiving medical attention.

One of the survivors, Babangida Usman, explained that the boat was carrying over 50 passengers, mostly small children and a few adults, who were crossing the river to reach their farms.

According to him, during the journey, the boat began to exhibit abnormal movements. Despite the efforts of the boat’s captains, it eventually capsized.

“We rescued 12 children and some adults. Sadly, four people died. We recovered two bodies, but the remaining two are still missing,” he said.

The Sole Administrator of Bukkuyyum Local Government, Hon. Nasiru Muhammad, confirmed the incident, attributing it to overloading, anxiety, and failure to adhere to boat safety guidelines.

“The government is still providing care for the 12 rescued victims at the General Hospital in Bukkuyum, and measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.”

He added, “Experts are currently searching the river for the two missing passengers.”