Tragedy struck in Sokoto State on Sunday after a boat carrying more than 50 passengers capsized on its way to Goronyo Market, leaving over 40 persons feared missing.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement, disclosing that only about 10 passengers had been rescued as of press time.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the agency immediately deployed its rescue team after receiving reports of the mishap.
She added that search and rescue operations were ongoing in collaboration with local divers, emergency responders, and community volunteers.
“We are doing everything possible to locate the missing persons and provide urgent support to the victims’ families.
Our priority is saving lives and ensuring that affected families are not left without assistance,” Umar stated.
The ill-fated boat, reportedly overloaded, was heading to the popular Goronyo Market when it capsized midway. Local sources said most of the passengers were traders and villagers travelling with goods for the weekly market.
Incidents of boat mishaps are recurrent in many riverine communities in Nigeria, often linked to poor regulation, overloading, and lack of safety measures. In Sokoto and neighbouring states, such accidents have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
NEMA assured the public that updates on the rescue efforts would be provided as operations progress.
Meanwhile, residents have called on authorities to enforce stricter safety rules on waterways to avert further tragedies.
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