By Suleiman Anyalewechi
No fewer than 40 persons were feared dead following the capsizing of a passenger boat filled with rice farmers in Gorau town, in Goronyo Local Council of Sokoto .
According to eyewitness accounts ,the boat carrying about 70 people capsized while ferrying the farmers across a river to access their rice farms Thursday evening. Over 40 persons including children drowned in the sad incident.
According to reports, the Village Head of Gorau, was among six others rescued from the boat mishap which occurred shortly after take off .
“So far, we have recovered about 40 dead bodies while six people, including the village head were rescued”, a local volunteered.
However, a large number of passengers on board are still unaccounted for. Combined rescue operations featuring mainly residents are underway.
Reports further indicate that most of the dead were farmers and labourers who were going for a harvest session before tragedy struck.
As at the time of reporting, there were no official reactions to the unfortunate development from the Sokoto state Government or the authorities of the National Inland Waterways. Local divers are continuing to lead rescue efforts.
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