About 40 girls were feared killed in an early morning boat mishap at Dandaji village in Shagari local government area of Sokoto state.
A total of 15 bodies have been recovered so far, it was revealed.
The incident was said to have occurred on Tuesday when the girls were being ferried to a nearby village to fetch firewood.
It was said the boat sunk with them half way.
According to a resident of the area, Muhammadu Jabbi, the boat was carrying over 40 girls when it capsized.
The chairman of the local government area, Aliyu Dantani, confirmed the incident, saying “so far 15 bodies have been recovered.”
He said local divers were engaged, and are currently searching for the other girls.
It would be recalled that, last year 30 girls, including to-be-brides lost their lives while crossing the river to fetch firewood in the local government area.