Sokoto: Tears as Many People Killed in Fresh Boat Mishap
- Rescue workers are searching for more than 40 people after a boat accident in Nigeria’s northwestern Sokoto state, the country’s emergency agency said
- According to NEMA, the incident occurred when a boat conveying over 50 passengers to Goronyo Market capsized
- Such accidents are common in remote communities during the rainy season, often caused by overloaded and poorly maintained vessels
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
Sokoto, Sokoto state - At least 30 traders, including women, are feared dead following a tragic boat accident that occurred in Kojiyo village, Goronyo local government area (LGA) of Sokoto state.
As reported by Daily Trust, the victims were reportedly on their way to the weekly Goronyo market when their boat, carrying both passengers and goods, capsized around 1.30pm on Sunday, August 17.
Source: Original
NEMA reacts to Sokoto tragedy
The Nation also noted the update.
Taking action on the matter, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto Operations Office (SOO), said it deployed its response team to support ongoing rescue operations following a tragic boat mishap.
Zubaida Umar, NEMA director-general (DG), was said to have activated the agency’s response immediately after receiving reports that a boat conveying over 50 passengers to Goronyo Market had capsized.
NEMA's statement said about 10 people have been rescued, while more than 40 passengers remain missing.
The statement reads:
"NEMA SOO, in collaboration with local authorities and emergency responders, is intensifying search and rescue operations to locate the missing persons.
"The agency reassures the public of its commitment to saving lives, providing timely updates, and coordinating all necessary support for the affected families."
Boat accidents are common in Nigeria, particularly during the annual rainy season, from March to October, when rivers and lakes overflow.
Source: Twitter
In July, a boat transporting passengers to a market in Niger state capsized, killing at least many people.
At least 326 people died in boat accidents in Nigeria in 2024, according to a count by The Cable.
In September 2024, an overloaded boat sank while carrying more than 50 farmers across the Gummi River in Zamfara state, killing more than 40.
In June 2023, more than 100 people died when a riverboat carrying about 250 passengers capsized in the north-central state of Kwara.
Analysts say many boats operate without life jackets, blaming weak enforcement by regulatory authorities.
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Deaths recorded in Kano accident
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that 12 passengers were confirmed dead in a fatal accident that occurred at Samawa village in Garin Mallam local government area (LGA) along Zaria- Kano Expressway.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano state command disclosed that the lone crash also caused injuried to five individuals.
The FRSC said the accident involved a DAF Trailer CF95 model with registration number KMC 931 ZE, which was carrying a mixed-load of goods (Ajinomoto spices) and passengers.
Source: Legit.ng
