Tragedy struck Sokoto State on Friday when a boat carrying dozens of fleeing residents capsized in Garin-Faji village, Sabon-Birni Local Government Area, leaving six people confirmed dead and three others missing.
The accident occurred around 5:30 a.m. as villagers attempted to escape an attack by suspected bandits. Eyewitnesses said the boat overturned midway through the journey, throwing passengers into the river.
Local divers and first responders managed to rescue 19 people, but fears remain that the death toll could rise as three passengers are still unaccounted for.
The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in a statement on Sunday, confirmed the fatalities and assured that search and rescue operations are ongoing in collaboration with local divers.
A joint assessment team comprising officials from SEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Sokoto Operations Office, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Red Cross visited Garin-Faji to evaluate the disaster and console affected families.
Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Kafin-Dangi, Head of NEMA Sokoto Operations, who led the delegation, expressed condolences to the community.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and community members. We will continue to search for the missing persons and draw lessons from this tragedy to improve safety on our waterways,” he said.
Special Adviser to Sokoto SEMA, Hon. Aminu Liman Bodinga, stressed the urgent need for boat operators to comply with safety regulations, adding that stronger monitoring and enforcement are crucial to preventing future disasters.
Community members have joined emergency teams in the rescue efforts, providing boats, ropes, and manpower. Authorities disclosed that a comprehensive joint report on the incident would soon be released, with recommendations on enhancing waterway safety.
The tragedy comes barely six days after a similar boat mishap in Goronyo Local Government Area claimed four lives.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing as teams and volunteers continue combing the river in hopes of finding the three missing passengers.