FORTY people lost their lives yesterday when a boat overturned in Gummi Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
The accident occurred when the boat lost control in the Bakin Kasuwa River, located in Uban Dawaki Ward of Gummi LGA.
President Bola Tinubu extended his condolences to the people and government of Zamfara State following the recent floods in Gummi LGA and the tragic loss of over 40 farmers in the boat accident as they were heading to their farms over the weekend.
In a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sympathy on behalf of the Nigerian government and people regarding the dual tragedies in the Zamfara community.
He pledged support for the victims and directed emergency agencies to thoroughly investigate both incidents to address their underlying causes.
The President also directed response agencies to collaborate with the Zamfara State Government in aiding those affected by the disaster.
Similarly, Governor Dauda Lawal expressed deep sorrow over the boat mishap, describing it as a monumental tragedy.
According to a statement, the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) has been instructed to swiftly commence rescue and recovery efforts.
“Governor Lawal has directed ZEMA to urgently assess the scope of the accident and provide immediate assistance to those affected,” the statement read.
The governor also tasked the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters with coordinating relief efforts for the victims and their families.
According to his spokesman Sulaiman Idris, Governor Lawal prayed for the souls of the deceased, offered condolences to the bereaved families, and assured the state government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences.