At least 46 bodies have been recovered following a boat accident in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, according to the state Police Command.
The incident occurred on Thursday when a boat carrying 77 passengers, including men, women and children, reportedly capsized.
The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed that 46 people had died, while 15 passengers were rescued alive. Search and rescue teams are still looking for the remaining 16 passengers.
Rufai said the operation involves local divers, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Police.
The accident has plunged Gorau community into mourning, with relatives anxiously awaiting information about family members who were on board.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, said the accident happened on Thursday morning and that local divers and emergency responders immediately began efforts to locate survivors and recover victims.
A senior NEMA official, identified as Alhaji Ibrahim, also confirmed that the agency had deployed personnel to the community to support the rescue operation.
The cause of the accident had not been established as of the time of filing the report.
The tragedy occurred exactly one year after another boat accident in Kijio community, also in Goronyo Local Government Area.
Reacting to the incident, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, described the accident as a devastating tragedy.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya said some of the victims were reportedly children aged between 10 and 15 who were travelling alongside farmers and labourers.
He expressed condolences to the affected families and commended residents and local divers involved in the rescue operation.
Dan’iya urged the Sokoto State Government and relevant emergency agencies to deploy more personnel, medical teams and rescue equipment to the area.
He also called for proper identification and documentation of the victims to ensure that their families receive the necessary support.
The ADC candidate said the incident underscored the need for safer transportation options for farming communities located around waterways.
He called for a comprehensive assessment of waterways across Sokoto State, properly regulated boats, life jackets, training for boat operators and improved emergency response equipment.
Dan’iya also advocated the construction of bridges and alternative crossings where necessary, stressing that rural residents should not have to risk their lives simply to access their farms.
He pledged that an ADC administration would prioritise rural infrastructure, agricultural development and community safety.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area and the people of Sokoto State, while urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as the search continues.
