Sani Dutsinma
A tragic canoe accident has claimed at least 14 lives after a vessel carrying more than 100 passengers capsized in the Yauri River in Kebbi State.
The Chairman of Yauri Local Government Area, Abubakar Shuaibu, confirmed the incident to journalists, describing it as unfortunate and devastating.
According to him, the accident occurred in Gumbi village in Yauri Local Government Area while the passengers were returning from Gwarzo village in Ngaski, where they had accompanied a bride to her matrimonial home.
Shuaibu said 14 deaths have so far been confirmed, and the victims have been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
Governor Nasir Idris has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the Emir of Yauri, Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi, and the people of the affected communities.
Meanwhile, rescue teams are continuing search operations in the river, as fears remain that more victims may still be unaccounted for.
Local authorities have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as efforts continue to determine the full extent of the tragedy.
