Zamfara gov speaks on boat mishap

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has expressed sadness over the boat accident in Gummi local government area of the state.

Daily Trust reports that an over-loaded boat with 40 passengers capsized and sank in a river in Gummi town of Gummi local government area of the state.

The boat was collided with an empty oncoming boat and sank in the river with all the passengers on board.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, Lawal described the mishap as a monumental disaster.

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The statement added that the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) has been directed to promptly begin rescue and recovery operations.

“We woke up to the tragic report of a boat accident in Bakin Kasuwa River in Uban Dawaki ward, Gummi local government area, resulting in the loss of over 40 lives.

“Governor Lawal has directed the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) to take immediate action to assess the extent of the accident and provide urgent assistance following the unfortunate incident.

“The governor also instructed the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters to coordinate all efforts to provide immediate relief support to the victims and their families.

“Governor Lawal prayed for the souls of the departed victims, grieved with families, and assured of the state government’s commitment to prevent such occurrences in the future.”