About 40 people are feared dead after a canoe carrying farmers and farm labourers capsized in Gorau Town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The tragedy occurred as the passengers were reportedly crossing a stream to access their rice farms, with the canoe overturning shortly after take-off.
Reports indicate that more than 70 people were aboard the canoe when it capsized, while many of the passengers were reportedly children aged between 10 and 15.
The village head was among those on board and was reportedly rescued alongside five other passengers.
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A local journalist at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, said about 40 bodies had been recovered as rescue operations continued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” Kiliya said.
The victims were said to comprise farm owners and labourers engaged to harvest rice in the area.
Kiliya added that local divers were continuing to search the water for missing passengers and recover bodies from the scene.
The incident has plunged the community into mourning as rescue teams and residents continue efforts to locate survivors and determine the full extent of the casualties.
