President Bola Tinubu has expressed his sympathy to the people of Zamfara State over the recent flooding in the state and the death of 41 farmers in a boat mishap that occurred in the Gummi Local Government area of the state on Saturday.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Tinubu promised support for the victims and their families.
This publication reported that no fewer than 41 persons are feared dead in a boat accident in Gummi town, the headquarters of Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
An eyewitness, who is an indigene of the town, Abubakar Muhammad, told reporters that the victims were going to their farms in the early hours of Saturday when the boat capsized.
Mohammed stated there were 53 farmers in the boat, and only 12 were rescued alive, including the captain of the boat, and the remaining 41 were dead.
He said, “When the boat capsized today, Saturday morning, I was one of those who were present near the river close to Gummi town.
“Immediately, the boat capsized. It sank into the river with all the passengers.
“We did our best to rescue them, but unfortunately, we were only able to bring out 12 people alive, including the captain of the boat.
“The bodies of the other 41 passengers were evacuated out of the water.”
Speaking on the sad tragedies in the state, Tinubu directed response agencies to work in tandem with the Zamfara state government to bring relief to the people.
The press statement from the presidency reads, “President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the people and government of Zamfara State over recent floods in Gummi Local Government Area and the death of over 40 farmers in a boat accident on their way to their farms at the weekend.
“President Tinubu expressed the government and the people of Nigeria’s commiseration over the twin tragedies in the Zamfara community. He promised support for the victims.
“The President directed emergency agencies to comprehensively assess the two incidents to address the root of the calamity.
“President Tinubu also directed response agencies to work with the Zamfara State Government to help those affected by the disaster.”
