By Ayo Ayodele
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that five individuals were rescued and nine bodies recovered from a boat accident on Sunday in the Mashayar Yandaga River, Gummi Local Area, Zamfara State.
NEMA revealed that the boat, carrying over 40 passengers and crew members, capsized due to an overload and strong river currents.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, NEMA’s Head of the Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, explained that local divers and fishermen were mobilized for the rescue operation.
NEMA Director General Mrs. Zubaida Umar extended condolences to the Zamfara State government and its people, urging boat operators to follow safety protocols.
Ezekiel noted, “Rescuers were able to save five people, but unfortunately, nine bodies have been recovered. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.”
He added that some passengers, including men, women, and children, are still unaccounted for and that communities downstream have been advised to be vigilant for any floating bodies.
NEMA’s Sokoto Operation Office, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Emergency Agency, Gummi Local Government, community leaders, the Red Cross, and other stakeholders, continues to assess and respond to the disaster.