Governor Dauda Lawal expressed sadness over the boat accident in Gummi local government area of Zamfara State.
In the early hours of Sunday, a boat carrying more than 40 people capsized after losing control in the Bakin Kasuwa River of Uban Dawaki Ward, Gummi local government.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor described the Gummi boat mishap as a monumental disaster.
The statement added that the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) has been directed to promptly begin rescue and recovery operations.
“We woke up to the tragic report of a boat accident in Bakin Kasuwa River in Uban Dawaki ward, Gummi local government area, resulting in the loss of over 40 lives.
“Governor Lawal has directed the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) to take immediate action to assess the extent of the accident and provide urgent assistance following the unfortunate incident.
“The governor also instructed the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters to coordinate all efforts to provide immediate relief support to the victims and their families.
“Governor Lawal prayed for the souls of the departed victims, grieved with families, and assured of the state government’s commitment to prevent such occurrences in the future.”