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Another tragedy struck Sokoto State when a boat carrying dozens of passengers capsized early Friday morning in Garin-Faji Village, Sabon-Birni Local Government Area. The accident, which occurred around 5:30 a.m., resulted in six confirmed deaths and three people still missing.
The passengers were reportedly fleeing an attack by suspected bandits when the boat overturned midway through the journey, forcing many into the river. Local divers and first responders rescued 19 individuals, but the search continues for the three missing passengers.
This incident comes just six days after a similar boat accident in Goronyo Local Government Area claimed four lives.
The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the fatalities in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing ongoing search and rescue efforts. “Our teams, together with local divers, continue to comb the river to locate the missing individuals,” the agency said.
A joint assessment team, including officials from SEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Red Cross, visited the community to evaluate the situation and provide support to affected families.
Led by Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Kafin-Dangi, Head of NEMA Sokoto Operations, the delegation met with community leaders and relatives of the victims to document eyewitness accounts and offer reassurance.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and community members. We will continue the search for the missing persons and work to improve safety on our waterways,” Kafin-Dangi stated.
Officials stressed the urgent need for strict adherence to safety regulations by boat operators. Hon. Aminu Liman Bodinga, Special Adviser to Sokoto SEMA, highlighted the importance of enhanced monitoring to prevent future accidents.
Community members have also been actively involved in the rescue efforts, providing boats, ropes, and manpower to assist emergency teams.
SEMA announced that a detailed joint report on the incident will be released soon, outlining recommendations to enhance waterway safety and reduce the risk of similar tragedies.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as teams and volunteers continue to comb the river in hopes of finding the missing passengers and bringing closure to their families.
