The incident happened on Wednesday, according to Mohammed Auwalu, when the victims were crossing the river in a canoe to a neighbouring village called Badiyawa.

The accident occurred after the canoe collided with a tree in the river and capsized, according to Auwalu.

The boat was carrying 34 individuals, primarily women and children, according to Auwalu.

“Only six passengers were rescued when it hit a tree and sank into the river, while 28 dead bodies were found,” he continued.

Auwalu emphasized that his five children were among those killed in the accident.

He said, “The victims, who were 34 in number, were going to Bodiyawa village in a canoe early in the morning today (Wednesday) and as they were moving in the water, the canoe hit a tree and capsized.

“The rescue operators were only able to rescue six persons alive, while 28 dead bodies were recovered.

“My five children were among those that died in the incident.

“As I am talking to you now, we are in the cemetery trying to bury those who died.”