By Haruna Aliyu, Birnin Kebbi

Part of the 40,000 fishermen expected in the Mata Fada River for the Argungu Festival have made their way into the water without permission.

The fishermen forced their way into the river after overpowering security personnel drafted around the water.

As of the time of filing this report, security officials are at the riverbank forcing the remaining fishermen yet in the river to retreat.

The official time of the river dive is 1 pm, but unscrupulous fishermen are already navigating the river for a big catch.