More than 20 people were feared dead as a boat carrying about 100 rice farmers capsized in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi on Tuesday.
Chairman of the Koko/Besse Local Government Council, Yahaya Bello, confirmed the accident. He said the accident occurred on Tuesday night when a rickety boat carried more than 100 rice farmers to Samanaji, a riverine community in the area.
He said 80 of the boat passengers had been rescued, while 10 were found dead and others still missing.
He assured that the rescue operation was still ongoing with a view to saving those still missing.
“Almost all the passengers are youths; small boys and girls. We have found four female and six male corpses. We have rescued more than 80 passengers and we are still searching for the missing others.
“Prior to the incident, we had called an emergency meeting with the district head of Dutsin Mari and other traditional rulers and leaders of boat operators in the area.
“The meeting was to enlighten them and warn them against the use of rickety, old boats, over-loading and travelling in the night,” he said.
Police spokesman in Kebbi, Nafiu Abubakar, who confirmed the incident, promised to release details later.
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