Many farmers died Thursday when a boat capsized in a river in Sammanaji village at Koko/Besse local government area of Kebbi State.
Our correspondent gathered yesterday that the old boat was carrying about 100 passengers who were mostly rice farmers from a village to Sammanaji.
Chairman of Koko/Besse local government area, Yahaya Bello, said 80 passengers were rescued.
He added that 14 bodies were retrieved from the river, adding that rescue workers continued search for the remaining passengers.
Governor Abubakar Bagudu was in the area on Thursday evening with other top government officials where they condoled with families of the victims.
President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Kebbi State over the loss of lives.
Buhari in a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina, condoled with families who lost loved ones in the accident, urging more prayers for the rescued persons that are still undergoing medical examinations and treatment.
The president commended the efforts of rescue workers who worked for days searching for the missing persons, while calling on stakeholders to pay more attention to proper regulation of transportation by boats, especially in rural areas. He prayed that the Almighty God will receive the souls of the departed.
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