Another boat accident in Sokoto State leaves several passengers feared missing, marking the third such tragedy in weeks as rescue efforts continue.
A fresh boat accident has occurred in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving several passengers feared missing.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu confirmed the incident through Aminu Bodinga, Special Adviser at the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), during a press briefing on Friday. According to him, the mishap happened on Thursday when a passenger boat capsized, throwing all occupants into the river.
“Rescue teams from SEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) are on-site, working tirelessly to locate survivors and recover victims,” Bodinga stated.
The number of casualties has yet to be determined, but residents fear that many of those on board may not have survived.
This is the third boat tragedy in Sokoto within a short span. On August 22, six people lost their lives, three went missing, and 19 were rescued after a similar incident in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. NIWA attributed that accident to negligence, overloading, and disregard for safety rules.
Earlier, on August 13, another mishap claimed at least four lives in Dundaye, Wamakko Local Government Area. In June, seven people also died in a canoe accident while traveling from Gidan Husaini to Gwargawu village in Shagari Local Government Area.
Maritime safety experts have expressed concern over recurring water accidents in the state, citing poor safety practices, overloading, and lack of life jackets as major causes.
Rescue operations for the latest incident are ongoing, and the state government is expected to release a detailed statement once the exercise is completed.
