46 bodies found after boat capsizes in Sokoto

At least 46 bodies have been found after a boat accident in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, police have confirmed.

The accident happened on Thursday when a boat with 77 passengers, including men, women, and children, capsized in the area.

The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said 46 corpses have been recovered while 15 passengers were rescued alive.

Rufai added that rescue operations are still going on. Security agencies and emergency responders are searching for the remaining 16 passengers.

He explained that the rescue team includes local divers, officials from the National Emergency Management Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency, and the Police.

Rufai said, "46 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."

The police spokesperson noted that "77 persons were on board the boat at the time of the incident."

This tragedy has left Gorau community in mourning. Families are anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones.

This latest incident comes exactly one year after a similar boat accident in Kijio community, also in Goronyo Local Government Area.

Earlier, a Gorau resident who did not want to be named said the accident took place Thursday morning. They mentioned that it was hard to know the exact number of casualties at first.

The resident said, "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 asked the authorities to step up the rescue operation, saying many families still hope for news of their relatives.

Meanwhile, a senior NEMA official, who only gave his name as Alhaji Ibrahim, told our correspondent that the agency has sent personnel to the community.

He said, "Our officials are currently on their way to the community to join the rescue operation."

The cause of the accident is not yet known, but rescue efforts are still ongoing as of this report.

Also, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, has expressed sorrow over the boat accident in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya called the incident a "devastating tragedy," especially since some of the passengers were reportedly children aged 10 to 15 travelling with farmers and laborers.

He said, "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."

Dan’iya praised local divers and community members involved in the rescue operation. He urged the Sokoto State Government and emergency agencies to send more personnel, medical teams, and rescue equipment to the affected area.

He also requested proper identification and documentation of victims to help their families receive the right assistance.

Dan’iya pointed out that the incident shows the urgent need for safer transportation for farming communities along waterways.

He said, "This tragedy highlights the urgent need for safer means of transportation for our farming communities. No farmer should have to risk their life just to access their farm and provide food for their family."

He called for a full assessment of waterways in the state, proper regulation of boats and life jackets, training for boat operators, emergency response equipment, and building bridges or alternative crossings where needed.

According to him, "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 promised that an ADC administration in Sokoto would focus on rural infrastructure, agricultural development, and community safety.

Dan’iya extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government, and the people of Sokoto State. He prayed for the souls of the victims and urged residents to stay calm and support emergency responders as the search and rescue operation continues.