The police have confirmed recovery of at least 46 bodies following a boat carrying 77 passengers which capsized in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, while 24 persons are still missing
Penpushing reports that Sokoto State Police Command Public Relations Officer Ahmad Rufai and equally affirmed that seven had been rescued as search efforts continued, adding that the boat was travelling from Gorau to Birjingo when the accident occurred.
“There were 77 passengers moving from Gorau to Birjingo. Seven rescued alive and 46 recovered dead, while 24 declared missing. Search is still on, the police spokesperson said.
Penpushing further reports that as at the time of filing this report the cause of the accident had yet to be established, however, the latest tragedy comes about a year after another major boat accident in the same local government area.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) it would be recalled said on August 17,2025, a canoe carrying more than 50 passengers capsized around Kojiyo village while travelling to Goronyo Market, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.
Penpushing also reports that the agency stated that at the time that the accident prompted a multi-agency search involving the agency, Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency, National Inland Waterways Authority, Goronyo Local Government Council and local divers.
The agency said following the search operation and a joint fact-finding exercise, the Sokoto State Government said four passengers died, 41 were rescued and five remained missing.
Penpushing reports that the government also said it had procured 20 motorised boats and life jackets for distribution to riverine communities in the state, with two of the boats allocated to Goronyo Local Government Area.
The recurrence of another major boat accident in Goronyo about a year later raises fresh questions about water-transport safety in communities where residents depend on boats to reach farms, markets and neighbouring settlements.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
