- 40 Missing, 10 Rescued in Sokoto Boat Accident
- NEMA confirms 10 survivors as rescue operations intensify.
- Incident highlights recurring safety concerns on Nigeria’s waterways.
At least 40 people have been declared missing after a boat carrying more than 50 passengers capsized in Sokoto State.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Lagos PDP Inaugurates Screening Committee Ahead of State Congress
- North Needs Unity Not Infrastructure – APC Chieftain
- INEC Rejects ADC’s David Mark-Led Caretaker Committee
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident, which occurred on Sunday while the passengers were traveling to Goronyo Market.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the agency swiftly deployed its response team after receiving distress reports. She noted that rescue efforts are ongoing in partnership with local authorities, divers, and community volunteers.
“So far, about 10 persons have been rescued, while more than 40 passengers remain unaccounted for,” Umar said.
She assured that NEMA is fully committed to saving lives, supporting affected families, and providing timely updates on the progress of rescue operations.
The latest accident adds to the growing concerns over the safety of water transportation in Nigeria’s riverine communities. Experts have repeatedly raised alarms over overloading, lack of life jackets, poor safety practices, and weak regulation, all of which contribute to recurring tragedies on the nation’s waterways.
Authorities have urged communities dependent on water travel to adhere strictly to safety measures and avoid boarding overcrowded boats. Meanwhile, search and rescue teams continue to comb the river in the hope of finding more survivors.
