In a heartbreaking accident, four children tragically lost their lives, and twelve others are hospitalized following a boat capsizing in Mashayar Garba Rogo, Bukkuyum town, Zamfara State. The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, around 10:30 am, sending shockwaves through the community. This disaster follows another boat mishap in the nearby Gummi Local Government Area just a week earlier, where over 30 people drowned.
According to reports from local resident Malam Aliyu Umar Bukkuyum, the boat was carrying 46 passengers, mostly children, along with some adults. They were crossing the Zamfara River, making their way to farms on the other side. However, midway through the journey, the boat began to act unpredictably, swaying in the water before capsizing.
One of the survivors, Buhari Usman, known locally as Messi, described the chaotic scene. “The boat suddenly started to tilt, and before we knew it, it capsized,” Usman explained. “I personally rescued 12 children and some adults, but we couldn’t save four of the children. We’ve only recovered two bodies so far, and two are still missing.”
The community, led by local fishermen and residents, quickly mobilized to rescue as many people as possible. Some survivors were able to swim to safety, while others were pulled out of the water by those nearby. Sadly, four children drowned, and the search for the remaining two missing bodies continues.
Rescue efforts have been ongoing, with local authorities and volunteers working tirelessly to recover the bodies. Twelve victims were rushed to General Hospital Bukkuyum, where they are currently unconscious and receiving medical attention.
According to Hon. Nasiru Muhammad (DG), the Sole Administrator of Bukkuyum Local Government, the boat capsized due to overloading, combined with poor boating practices. He explained that the boat was overcrowded, and many passengers were in a state of anxiety, which likely worsened the situation. “Failure to adhere to boating guidelines is becoming a serious issue,” Muhammad said. “We will take strict measures to prevent this from happening again.”
Boat accidents have become an increasingly concerning issue in Zamfara State, particularly during the rainy season when rivers are swollen, and the risk of accidents rises. Despite warnings, passengers often overload boats, and operators sometimes neglect essential safety measures, leading to frequent tragedies.
This incident marks the second major boat mishap in Zamfara State in less than a week. On September 10, 2024, a similar accident occurred in Gummi Local Government Area, claiming the lives of over 30 passengers. The frequency of these accidents has raised concerns about water safety and the enforcement of rules governing water transportation.
In response to this latest accident, the state government has vowed to improve boat safety and enforcement. The government is providing support to the survivors and their families, ensuring that the hospitalized victims receive the care they need. Hon. Muhammad assured that new measures will be introduced to enforce boat capacity limits and to raise awareness among the public about the importance of following boating guidelines.
Efforts to locate the remaining two missing children are ongoing, with local authorities and volunteers continuing the search along the river. The community remains hopeful that the bodies will be recovered soon, allowing the families to have closure.
Meanwhile, the tragedy has left the residents of Bukkuyum in mourning. The loss of these young lives has brought renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and increased awareness to prevent future disasters. Families affected by the accident are receiving support from local authorities, but the pain and sorrow are palpable.
This tragic boat accident in Zamfara serves as a devastating reminder of the dangers posed by overloading and the lack of safety precautions in water transportation. While rescue operations continue, the loss of four innocent children has left an indelible mark on the Bukkuyum community. The government’s commitment to improving safety measures is a positive step, but more work is needed to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the missing children and ensuring the safety of those who travel these waters in the future. As the community grieves, there is a collective hope that these tragic lessons will lead to lasting changes in safety regulations and practices across the region.
