A tragic boat accident on Thursday evening in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State has left scores of passengers feared dead.
This marks the third boat mishap in the state within a month, occurring on the waterways and sparking renewed concerns over safety measures.
Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on the State Emergency Management Agency, Aminu Liman Bodinga, revealed that officials from SEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the National Inland Waterways Authority have launched search and rescue operations.
Eyewitnesses reported that the boat, which was carrying multiple passengers, capsized mid-river, throwing everyone into the water.
“The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report,” Bodinga added.
Residents and safety experts have pointed to poor safety standards, the lack of motorised boats, and the absence of life jackets as major contributing factors.
They have urged government authorities to step up safety regulations and improve transport facilities.
The Sokoto State Government is expected to issue an official statement once the rescue operations are completed, as families in Shagari and neighboring communities anxiously await news of their loved ones.