A boat mishap in Kojiyo Ward of Goronyo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, has left at least 10 people dead, with several others unaccounted for.
The tragic incident happened around midday on Sunday, August 17, 2025, when a boat transporting over 50 passengers overturned while in transit.
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According to the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), 10 bodies were recovered, while 40 others remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.
Preliminary findings suggest that overloading may have contributed to the disaster, a recurring challenge in riverine communities across Sokoto.
SEMA officials, in collaboration with other emergency response agencies, have been deployed to support rescue efforts and provide assistance to affected families
Expressing sadness over the tragedy, SEMA extended condolences to the bereaved families and called on residents to strictly adhere to safety rules, particularly the need to avoid overcrowding boats.
Hon. Aminu Liman Bodinga, Special Adviser to the Governor on Emergency Management, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He assured that the state government would intensify awareness campaigns and work with relevant stakeholders to enforce inland waterways regulations in order to reduce future occurrences.
