Tragedy struck in Kebbi State after a boat carrying wedding guests capsised, leaving 14 people dead in Yauri Local Government Area.
The incident occurred near Gumbi village as celebrants returned from escorting a bride to her matrimonial home in Ngaski Local Government Area.
Witnesses said more than 100 passengers were on board when the overloaded vessel overturned, plunging occupants into the water.
Local sources confirmed that 13 women and one child lost their lives in the accident.
The victims were said to have attended wedding rites in Gwarzo village before embarking on the ill-fated journey home.
Emergency efforts were mounted by residents, who rushed to the scene to rescue survivors from the river.
Authorities have yet to announce the exact cause of the mishap, though overcrowding is suspected.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, attended the funeral prayers and offered condolences to grieving families.
He sympathised with the people of Yauri, the local government authorities, and the emirate council over the loss.
Represented by Yauri Local Government Chairman Abubakar Shu’aibu, the governor urged residents to accept the tragedy as an act of God.
He prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and asked that they be granted eternal rest.
All 14 victims were buried in accordance with Islamic rites shortly after the incident.
