Zamfara, Sep 15 (V7N) – At least 64 people are feared dead after a boat carrying farmers capsized in Nigeria's northwestern Zamfara state on Saturday morning. The boat, carrying 70 people, was attempting to cross a river near Gummi town when it overturned, according to local officials.

Local authorities initiated a rescue operation, and six people were rescued alive after three hours of searching. The incident, reported by Reuters, has prompted concerns about safety as this marks the second such accident in the Gummi area.

Aminu Nuhu Falale, a local administrator who led the rescue efforts, expressed the challenges faced by the community. "More than 900 farmers cross the river daily to access farmland on the other side, but there are only two ferries available, which are frequently overcrowded," he explained.

The tragedy underscores the challenges in Zamfara, a state already grappling with issues of criminal gangs vying for control over mineral resources and recurring floods. Heavy rains recently caused flash floods that displaced more than 10,000 residents just two weeks ago.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency services intensifying their search efforts in hopes of finding more survivors.

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