Tragedy: Over 46 Bodies Recovered as Boat Capsizes in Sokoto

At least 46 bodies have been recovered following a boat accident in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the state Police Command has confirmed.

The incident occurred on Thursday when a boat carrying 77 passengers, including men, women and children, reportedly capsized in the community.

The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed that 46 corpses had been recovered, while 15 passengers were rescued alive.

Rufai said rescue operations were still ongoing as security agencies and emergency responders searched for the remaining 16 passengers.

He said the rescue team comprised local divers, officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency and the police.

“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,” he said.

The police spokesperson added that 77 people were on board the boat when the accident occurred.

The incident has thrown the Gorau community into mourning, with families anxiously awaiting information about their relatives.

The latest accident occurred exactly one year after a similar boat mishap in Kijio community, also in Goronyo Local Government Area.

A resident of Gorau, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the accident occurred on Thursday morning, adding that the casualty figure was initially difficult to establish.

“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 said.

The resident appealed to the authorities to intensify the rescue operation, noting that many families were still waiting anxiously for information about their loved ones.

Meanwhile, a senior NEMA official, who identified himself simply as Alhaji Ibrahim, said the agency had mobilised personnel to the community to support the rescue operation.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known as of the time of filing this report.

Reacting to the tragedy, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a “devastating tragedy.”

In a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya said some of the passengers were reportedly children between the ages of 10 and 15 who were travelling with farmers and labourers.

“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,” he said.

Dan’iya commended local divers and residents involved in the rescue operation and called on the Sokoto State Government and relevant emergency agencies to deploy additional personnel, medical teams and rescue equipment to the affected community.

He also called for the proper identification and documentation of the victims to enable their families to receive appropriate assistance.

The ADC candidate said the tragedy underscored the need for safer means of transportation for farming communities located around waterways.

“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for safer means of transportation for our farming communities. No farmer should have to risk his or her life simply to access a farm and provide food for the family,” he said.

Dan’iya called for a comprehensive assessment of waterways across the state, the provision and regulation of boats and life jackets, training of boat operators, improved emergency response equipment, and the construction of bridges or alternative crossings where necessary.

He said the safety and welfare of rural communities should remain a priority, particularly for residents who depend on farming for their livelihoods.

He further pledged that an ADC administration in Sokoto would prioritise rural infrastructure, agricultural development and community safety.

Dan’iya extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area and the people of Sokoto State, while praying for the repose of the souls of the victims.