The tragic boat mishap in Sokoto State has concluded rescue operations, with over 20 individuals still unaccounted for following the accident. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, when a boat carrying about 50 farmers and traders to Goronyo Market capsized midstream in northwestern Sokoto State.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) quickly mobilized a response team to spearhead search and rescue operations. Out of the passengers onboard, 25 were rescued shortly after the accident, while three bodies were recovered by Tuesday. Unfortunately, despite an intensive search, 22 people remain missing, and the agency has called off further rescue attempts, deeming the likelihood of finding survivors after 24 hours to be minimal.
The Sokoto State NEMA operations head, Aliyu Kafindangi, explained that after careful assessment, the agency concluded that continuing the search would be futile. Overloading is cited as a significant cause of the mishap, as the vessel was reportedly carrying more passengers and cargo than it could safely handle.
Boat accidents are common during Nigeria’s rainy season, which runs from March to October. The swollen rivers and heavy rains contribute to the risk of such tragic incidents, especially in rural and riverine areas. This disaster echoes a similar unfortunate event in August 2024 when 16 farmers lost their lives in a comparable accident in Sokoto State.
The incident has deeply affected local communities, with families grieving the loss and anxiously awaiting news of the missing. NEMA, along with local authorities and fishermen, had coordinated efforts to locate survivors and victims, but the conclusion marks a somber moment for all involved.
As this tragedy unfolds, it highlights the urgent need for improved safety regulations, better enforcement of capacity limits on river transport, and enhanced emergency response capabilities to prevent similar losses in the future.
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