Tragedy struck in Sokoto State on Sunday when a passenger boat capsized in Kojiyo Ward, Goronyo Local Government Area, leaving many feared dead and several others missing.
The ill-fated boat, which was carrying over 50 passengers to Goronyo Market, reportedly went under midway across the river. Residents said the vessel was overcrowded.
An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Abubakar, told reporters that several bodies had been recovered, while many passengers remained unaccounted for as search operations intensified.
Confirming the incident, the Sokoto Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said a rescue team had been deployed immediately after reports reached its headquarters.
NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, disclosed that 10 passengers had been rescued while more than 40 others were still missing. She added that the agency was working with local divers, emergency responders, and community leaders to recover the victims.
As of press time, search and rescue efforts were still ongoing, with families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.
