No fewer than 25 passengers on board have been reportedly missing after the boat capsized in the Dundaye River on Sunday.

The incident happened at Dundaye village in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State when the boat carrying over 40 passengers capsized.

An eyewitness, Malam Ayuba Maya Dundaye confirmed that the victims which were mostly women and children, were on their way to their farms across the river when the unfortunate incident occurred.

Ayuba also added that the canoe boarded passengers sank when it reached the middle of the river.

He confirmed that swimmers in the village rushed into the water and were able to rescue 15 while 25 other passengers were still missing at the time of filling this report, but effort was on top gear to locate them.

When asked if any official visited the scene of the incident, Ayuba said only the representative of the District Head was present to lend his voice to the rescue efforts.

Contacted, the Special Adviser to Sokoto State Governor on State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nasir Garba Kalambaina, said he was not aware of the incident.

However, Kalambaina quickly mobilised his rescue operation team and informed the Zonal Director of the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) which sent their officials to the scene of the incident for the rescue operation.

Kalambaina assured that his personnel would ensure the immediate rescue of the victims by God’s will.

The canoe mishap was said to be a result of the overflow of the river.