Boat capsizes on River Rima, one person reportedly dies

A A boat carrying more than thirty-five individuals capsized on the River Rima along the Dundaye Axis in Wamakko Local Government Area.

The tragic event has resulted in the recovery of one lifeless body, while nearly fifteen victims managed to swim to safety and reach the shore.

Authorities have swiftly responded to the incident, with Aliyu Shehu Kafidangi, the Head of Operations at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Sokoto Operations Office, and Special Adviser Nasiru Garba from the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency, visiting the scene to gather information and profile the victims. The Red Cross has also joined the efforts to provide assistance and support to those affected.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that the canoe capsized due to overloading, a factor that contributed to the disaster as occupants included elderly individuals, women, children, and youths who were attempting to cross the river to reach their farms.

The community is in shock as the implications of the incident resonate among those who lost loved ones and those who narrowly escaped the perilous situation.

Search and rescue operations are currently underway, led by the NEMA Search and Rescue Team in collaboration with local divers.

Efforts are focused on locating any missing persons who may still be unaccounted for following the incident.