Nine feared dead as boat capsizes in Sokoto

About nine passengers were feared dead yesterday when a boat with more than 35 persons onboard capsized on River Rima along Dundaye Axis in Wamakko Local Council of Sokoto State.

The Guardian learnt that one dead body has so far been recovered, while about 25 victims made it to the shore alive. It was also gathered that Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto Operations Office, Aliyu Shehu Kafidangi, Special Adviser, Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nasiru Garba, and the Red Cross have visited the scene to profile the victims.

Some of the survivors and eyewitness accounts said that the boat capsized due to overloading. Occupants of the boat comprised the elderly, women, children and youths who were crossing the River to their farms.

Meanwhile, NEMA Search and Rescue Team and Local Divers are currently searching for the missing ones.