47 feared killed in Sokoto boat mishap

Tragedy struck in Gorau town of Goronyo local government area of Sokoto as a boat ferrying people and goods capsized in the early hours of Thursday, leaving at least 47 feared killed.

A credible source from the area said not less than 48 dead bodies have been recovered by rescue teams as the search for survivors was ongoing.

The head of Sokoto Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Tukur Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with our correspondent in Sokoto.

He said:  “Yes, it is true that the boat unfortunately capsized and there are reported fatalities.”

Abubakar said officials of NEMA were on their way to Gorau town to ascertain the extent of the casualties and what really led to the incident.

He added: “I am with the officials of the Sokoto state National Inland Waterways Authority and other emergency responders.

“So, you will get to know the details of the disaster much later today.”

Sokoto governorship candidate of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, expressed deep sorrow over the accident.

A statement issued to newsmen in Sokoto by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, said Dan’iya described the incident as a devastating tragedy, particularly because many of those reportedly on board were children between the ages of 10 and 15 who were travelling with farmers and labourers to access rice farm.

Reports indicate that more than 70 people may have been on the boat, while rescue teams and local divers are still searching for missing persons and recovering bodies.

The ADC candidate extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the Gorau community, Goronyo local government and the entire people of Sokoto state.

He also called for proper identification and documentation of the victims to assist their families during this difficult period.

The incident adds to the growing list of boat mishaps across Nigeria, which have continued to claim several lives and destroy property, especially during the rainy season.

Experts and safety agencies have repeatedly raised concerns over overloading, lack of life jackets, and poor regulation of water transportation in riverine communities.

As at press time, the exact number of passengers on board, those rescued, and fatalities had not been officially released.