Sokoto Boat Mishap: Death Toll Rises To 65, 11 Victims Rescued Alive
Sokoto Boat Mishap: Death Toll Rises To 65, 11 Victims Rescued Alive
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The death toll from Thursday’s boat mishap in Gorau Village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State has risen to 65, with 11 victims rescued alive.
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.
Search and rescue operations resumed on Friday, leading to the recovery of additional bodies. Officials said the chances of finding any survivor alive is dim.
The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, confirmed that 11 people were rescued alive, while recovered bodies have been buried according to Islamic rites.
The Head of Operations, NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, Alhaji Tukur Abubakar, declined to comment on the new death toll, referring our Correspondent to the officials of the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.
Similarly, all efforts to get the comments of the Special Adviser to the State Governor on SEMA, Alhaji Aminu Liman Bodinga, proved abortive as his cellphone was switched off.
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, and called for strict adherence to water safety regulations.
Former Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, also commiserated with families of the victims 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, extended condolences and reiterated his call for the desilting of Goronyo Dam and other urgent measures to address recurring boat and flooding tragedies.
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.
