Shagari, Tambuwal, Gorau, Others Extend Condolences As Search For Sokoto Boat Mishap Victims Resumes Friday
Shagari, Tambuwal, Gorau, Others Extend Condolences As Search For Sokoto Boat Mishap Victims Resumes Friday
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Prominent leaders have extended condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State following a tragic boat mishap in Gorau Village, Goronyo Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Thursday when a canoe capsized while crossing the Rima River.
According to reports, the passengers were traveling to the other side when the boat overturned.
It could be sadly recalled that no fewer than 47 bodies had been recovered on Thursday evening before the suspension of search and rescue efforts sequel to night fall.
The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, confirmed that 47 people were rescued while the recovered bodies had been buried according to Islamic rites.
Search and rescue operations for missing victims resumed on Friday.
Officials say more dead bodies are expected to be recovered, although the chances of finding any survivor alive is dim.
The Head of Operations, NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, Alhaji Tukur Abubakar, confirmed the incident and said rescue teams are on ground to ascertain the full number of casualties.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on SEMA, Alhaji Aminu Liman Bodinga, said personnel from NIWA, NEMA, SEMA, security agencies and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, supported by local divers, have been mobilized to continue the search for missing passengers and their belongings.
The Chairman, Governing Board of NIWA, Alhaji Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, described the incident as painful and devastating. In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Musa Ubandawaki, Shagari commiserated with the Sokoto State Government, Goronyo Local Government Council, traditional institutions and families of the victims.
He called for extreme caution on waterways and said NIWA is intensifying efforts to phase out wooden boats and strengthen safety standards nationwide. He also urged state governments to collaborate more with NIWA to enforce regulations.
The former Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said 41 people died and 11 were rescued in the mishap. In a post on his verified X handle, Tambuwal described it as a devastating tragedy and called on authorities to urgently investigate the cause and strengthen safety measures on the nation’s waterways.
The Member representing Goronyo/Gada Federal Constituency, Rep. Gorau, also extended condolences over the tragedy which he said claimed 48 lives with others still missing.
He reiterated his call for the desilting of Goronyo Dam and other urgent measures to address recurring boat and flooding tragedies, pledging to work with relevant authorities for lasting solutions.
It could be sadly recalled that boat accidents remain a recurring challenge in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season.
Authorities consistently blame overloading, use of rickety canoes, absence of life jackets, and poor enforcement of safety regulations.
Goronyo LGA, located along the Rima River, depends heavily on canoe transport for people and goods. In 2024 alone, over 200 people died in boat mishaps across Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto and Bayelsa states.
NEMA, NIWA and SEMA have renewed calls for strict compliance with safety guidelines to prevent further loss of lives.
