No fewer than 40 people are feared de@d after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State today, August 20.

Eyewitnesses say the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms when the boat, which had mostly 10 to 15 year olds onboard, capsized.

 The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.

“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued, ” an eyewitness said

According to him, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.

“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies” he said