Zamfara governor mourns losses after Gummi boat tragedy

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has expressed deep sorrow over a tragic boat accident in the Gummi Local Government Area, which led to the loss of over 40 lives. In the early hours of Sunday, a boat carrying passengers capsized in the Bakin Kasuwa River, located in the Uban Dawaki ward of Gummi.

The accident, which involved more than 40 people, occurred after the boat reportedly lost control and overturned. Governor Lawal, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the incident as a “monumental disaster” and offered his condolences to the grieving families affected by the tragedy.

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“We woke up to the tragic report of a boat accident in Bakin Kasuwa River in Uban Dawaki ward, Gummi Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of over 40 lives,” the statement read. “Governor Lawal has directed the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) to take immediate action to assess the extent of the accident and provide urgent assistance.”

In response to the tragic event, Governor Lawal has instructed ZEMA to begin rescue operations without delay. The agency has been tasked with assessing the situation and offering vital support to those affected by the disaster. The Governor also charged the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters to oversee the coordination of relief efforts aimed at providing immediate assistance to the victims and their families.

“Governor Lawal prayed for the souls of the departed victims and assured the grieving families of the state government’s commitment to preventing such occurrences in the future,” the statement concluded.

This incident has sent shockwaves through Zamfara State, with the government pledging to take steps to mitigate the risks of future accidents and improve safety on local waterways.