From Maiharaji Altine
Twenty eight people have died as a result of boat mishap in Gidan-magana village of Shagari local government area in Sokoto state.
Speaking to Analyzer news on phone, the village head of Gidan-magana, Mohammed Auwalu said, the incident happened on Wednesday morning when the victims were crossing the water going to a nearby village called Badiyawa.
Auwalu said, the accident occurred when the boat they were in hit a tree in the water and capsized.
Acccording to Auwalu, the boat was carrying 34 people mostly women and children.
“When it hit a tree and sunk into the water, only six people were rescued while 28 dead bodies were recovered”. Said Auwalu.
He stressed that his five children were among those who have died in the accident.
He said, “The victims who were 34 in number were going to Bodiyawa village in a canoe early in the morning today (Wednesday) and as they were moving in the water, the canoe hit a tree and capsized”.
“The rescue operators were only able to rescue six persons alive, while 28 dead bodies were recovered”.
“My five children were among those that have died in the incident”.
“As I am talking to you now, we are in the grave yard trying to bury those who have died”. Concluded the village head.
Frantic efforts were made to speak with the Shagari local government Chairman, Aliyu Abubakar but failed as he could not be reached on phone.
