Daud Olatunji
At least 20 people are feared dead after a boat carrying about 40 passengers capsized in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, on Thursday.
The boat was reportedly conveying men, women and children when it overturned, throwing the passengers into the water.
Residents said only five passengers had been rescued as of press time, while more than 20 bodies were reportedly recovered from the scene.
Rescue operations were still ongoing on Thursday evening, with local residents and emergency responders searching for passengers believed to be trapped or missing.
The incident has plunged the community into mourning, as families gathered around the area anxiously waiting for information on the whereabouts of their relatives.
Residents appealed to the authorities to intensify the rescue operation, expressing concern that more passengers could still be missing.
The tragedy occurred exactly one year after a similar boat accident in Kijio community, also in Goronyo LGA, raising fresh concerns about the safety of water transportation in the area.
The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, confirmed that the command was aware of the incident, saying an official statement would be issued.
Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency were also said to be on their way to the community to support the rescue operation.
However, the immediate cause of the accident remained unknown as of press time.
The identities of the victims and the exact number of survivors were also yet to be officially established.
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