Sokoto Boat Accident: 46 Dead, 15 Rescued As Search Continues For 16 Missing Passengers

At least 46 people have reportedly died in a boat accident in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The boat, which was carrying 77 passengers, including farmers, women and children, reportedly capsized shortly after leaving the community on Thursday morning.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed that 46 bodies had been recovered, while 15 passengers were rescued alive.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said rescue teams were still searching for 16 people who remained missing at the time of filing this report.

“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,” Rufai said.

He added that “77 persons were on board the boat at the time of the incident”.

The search-and-rescue operation involves local divers, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the police.

The tragedy has thrown Gorau community into mourning, with families anxiously awaiting information about relatives who may still be missing.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the accident occurred on Thursday morning as passengers travelled towards their farms.

He said local divers quickly joined emergency responders in the search, with several bodies recovered from the water.

“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.

He appealed to authorities to strengthen the rescue operation, noting that many families were still waiting for updates about their loved ones.

A senior NEMA official, who identified himself as Alhaji Ibrahim, also confirmed that the agency had mobilised personnel to the affected community.

“Our officials are currently on their way to the community to join the rescue operation,” he said.

The cause of the accident has not yet been established as rescue efforts continue.

The incident occurred exactly one year after a similar boat accident in Kijio community, also in Goronyo Local Government Area, raising renewed concerns about the safety of water transportation in farming communities that rely heavily on waterways.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Dan’iya, expressed grief over the incident and called for urgent steps to prevent similar tragedies.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya described the incident as a “devastating tragedy”, noting reports that some of the passengers were children between the ages of 10 and 15 travelling alongside 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 participating in the rescue operation but urged the Sokoto State Government and emergency agencies to deploy additional personnel, medical teams and rescue equipment to the community.

He also called for the proper identification and documentation of victims to ensure affected families receive the necessary assistance.

According to him, the accident highlighted the dangers rural communities face when they depend on waterways to reach their farmlands.

“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,” Dan’iya said.

He called for a comprehensive assessment of waterways across Sokoto State, as well as improved regulation of boats, mandatory use of life jackets, proper training for boat operators and stronger emergency response capacity.

Dan’iya also advocated the construction of bridges and alternative crossings in communities where waterways continue to pose significant risks.

“The safety and welfare of rural communities must remain a fundamental responsibility of government, especially when citizens are travelling to their farms to produce food and sustain their families,” he said.

He condoled with the families of those who died, the people of Gorau and Goronyo Local Government Area, and residents across Sokoto State, while urging the community to remain calm and cooperate with rescue teams as the search for the missing passengers continues.