Zamfara Boat Mishap: 5 Persons Rescued, 9 Bodies Recovered – NEMA

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The ongoing rescue efforts at the scene of Sunday’s tragic boat mishap in Zamfara State has resulted in the recovery of nine bodies.  Five persons were rescued, according to a disclosure by the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA ,  on Tuesday September 17, 2024.

The Source reports that tragedy struck on Sunday September, 15, in the Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State following the capsizing of a boat ferrying local farmers to their farmlands on the Mashayar Yandaga River .

The boat was said to be carrying about 40 persons as at the time of the unfortunate incident.

Earlier reports had suggested the loss of all persons on board .

But a statement issued by NEMA spokesperson, Manzo Ezekiel, informed that rescuers, comprising mainly of  local divers and fishermen have begun recording some recoveries .

The statement noted that   the search and rescue efforts ,are being coordinated by the agency’s Sokoto office in collaboration with the Zamfara state Emergency Agency and the Gummi Local Council Authority .

Community and opinion leaders, humanitarian organizations, such as the Red Cross and others are also said to be involved in the rescue operations.

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, according to the statement, called on boat operators and other stakeholders within the system, to always pay attention to safety measures in the conduct of their activities.

She also cautioned against overloading .

The agency has adduced overloading and turbulent water current as part of the possible causes of the tragic mishap.

While condoling with the Government and people of Zamfara State, the NEMA DG, however, noted that many of the passengers on board the ill-fated comprising men, women and children are still missing.

Apart from the search and rescue team, Mrs Umar, informed that communities within the river bank have equally been enlisted to help in the recovery efforts.