At least 46 people have died while 15 others were rescued after a boat capsized in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The Punch reported that the incident occurred on Thursday when the boat, carrying 77 passengers, overturned while transporting farmers and other residents to their rice farms.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed that rescue efforts were still underway for the remaining 16 passengers who were yet to be accounted for.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said local divers, officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency and the police were involved in the search operation.
He said, “Forty-six corpses have so far been recovered, while 15 persons were rescued alive. The rescue team, comprising local divers, NEMA, SEMA and the Police, is still searching for the remaining 16 persons.”
Rufai added, “77 persons were on board the boat at the time of the incident.”
The cause of the accident had yet to be established as rescue workers continued their operation.
The tragedy has plunged the Gorau community into mourning, with families awaiting updates on relatives who were travelling on the boat.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, said the accident happened on Thursday morning and that local divers and emergency responders quickly mobilised to search for survivors.
According to the resident, “Only a few people were initially reported rescued, while several bodies were recovered from the water. Rescue efforts are ongoing as local divers and emergency responders continue searching for those still missing.”
The resident urged the authorities to strengthen the rescue operation, noting that many families remained anxious about the whereabouts of their loved ones.
A senior NEMA official, who identified himself as Alhaji Ibrahim, also confirmed that the agency had deployed personnel to the community.
He said, “Our officials are currently on their way to the community to join the rescue operation.”
Reacting to the incident, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, described the accident as a devastating tragedy and called for urgent steps to prevent a recurrence.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya expressed concern that some of those aboard the boat were children aged between 10 and 15, alongside farmers and labourers.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by this tragic incident and the loss of precious lives in Gorau. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones and those whose relatives are still missing.”
Dan’iya commended residents and local divers participating in the rescue effort and called on the state government and emergency agencies to provide more personnel, medical teams and rescue equipment.
He further urged authorities to properly identify and document the victims to facilitate assistance to their families.
The ADC candidate said the incident underscored the dangers faced by farming communities that depend on waterways for access to their farms.
He said, “No farmer should have to risk his or her life simply to access a farm and provide food for the family,”
Dan’iya called for a comprehensive safety assessment of waterways across Sokoto, alongside the provision of regulated boats, life jackets, trained boat operators and emergency response equipment.
He also advocated the construction of bridges or alternative crossings in communities where waterways pose significant risks.
The incident occurred exactly one year after a similar boat accident in Kijio community, also in Goronyo Local Government Area.
Dan’iya expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Gorau, Goronyo and Sokoto State, while urging residents to cooperate with emergency responders as the search continues.
