SOKOTO — No fewer than 40 people are feared dead after a canoe carrying farmers and farm labourers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

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According to reports, the incident occurred while the canoe was crossing a stream used by residents to access their rice farms. An eyewitness told Daily Trust that about 70 people were reportedly on board when the canoe capsized shortly after take-off. The victims were said to include farm owners and labourers, with reports indicating that many of those on board were children between the ages of 10 and 15.

A local journalist who was at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, said rescue efforts had so far recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued alive. He said local divers were continuing the search for passengers still missing and were recovering bodies from the water.

“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” Kiliya said.

He added: “The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies.”

The incident has reportedly thrown the Gorau community into mourning as rescue teams and local residents continue efforts to establish the full number of casualties.