THE presidency has confirmed that over 40 farmers died in a boat accident in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, September 14 in Gummi town when the farmers were reportedly going to their farms.

In a statement on Sunday, September 15, the special adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the people and Government of Zamfara State over recent floods in Gummi Local Government Area and the death of over 40 farmers in a boat accident on their way to their farms at the weekend.

“President Tinubu expressed the government and the people of Nigeria’s commiseration over the twin tragedies in the Zamfara community.”

He hinted that the President had promised support for the victims and had directed emergency agencies to comprehensively assess the two incidents to address the root of the calamity.

“President Tinubu also directed response agencies to work with the Zamfara State Government to help those affected by the disaster,” Onanuga added.

The ICIR reports that a similar incident occurred in May 2023 when eight persons were reported to have died in a boat accident carrying about 20 people that occurred in Guasau the Zamfara state capital.

In April this year, at the Cable Point at the waterside of River Niger in Asaba, Delta State, The ICIR reported a boat mishap that took the life of a Nollywood actor, Junior Pope and others which sparked public outrage among many Nigerians.