The Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Shehu Ningi, on Thursday said about 15 people were killed when an overcrowded canoe capsized at Gwaskaram village, Bauchi Local Government Area.
He said three persons were rescued, adding that rescue operation was still ongoing.
The SEMA permanent secretary assured that efforts were on to recover the remaining bodies.
Ningi said the canoe capsized due to overload, lack of maintenance and a hole that allowed water to weight it down.
He said the canoe had more than 21 people on board, noting that there were too many people and goods on the canoe.
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