By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

A report from the Dundaye Village of Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State indicates that a canoe loading with about 40 passengers capsized in the Dundaye River yesterday, Sunday, August 11, 2024.

An eyewitness who was interviewed on the phone, Ayuba Maya Dundaye, confirmed that the victims, mostly women and children, were routed to their farms across the river when the unfortunate incident occurred around 2:30pm.

Ayuba added that the canoe boarded passengers and sank when it reached the middle of the river.

He confirmed that swimmers in the village rushed into the water and were able to rescue about 15 while about 25 passengers were still missing at the time of filling this report, but effort was on to locate them.

When asked if any official visited the scene of the incident, Ayuba said only the representative of the district Head was present to lend his voice to the rescue efforts.

But when contacted, the Special Advisor to Sokoto State Governor on State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nasir Garba Kalambaina, said he was not aware but quickly gathered his rescue operation team and informed the zonal Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which sent their officials to the scene of the incident for the rescue operation.

Nasir Kalambaina said his personnel would ensure the immediate rescue of the victims by God's will.

The canoe mishap was said to be as a result of the overflow of the river Dundaye of Wamakko local government.