14 Die As Boat Carrying 100 Capsizes In Kebbi

A canoe carrying over 100 passengers, including bridemails, has capsized on Yauri River in Yauri local government area of Kebbi State, killing at least 14 passengers.

Chairman of the local government area, Abubakar Shuaibu, who confirmed the unfortunate incident to journalists on Monday night, said the incident occurred in Gumbi Village of Yauri local government area.

He said the over 100 passengers were on their way back after accompanying a bride to her husband’s home at Gwarzo Village in Ngaski local government area of the State.

“Unfortunately, fourteen people have lost their lives after the canoe capsized in the river,” Shuaibu said.

Shaibu added that the deceased have since been buried according to Islamic rites even as he prayed to Allah to forgive them their shortcomings.

Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris, has since extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi, as well as the Yauri local government council.

Our correspondent gathered that as the time filling of this report, a search and rescue team has continued to search for other victims in the river.