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| Sokoto Boat Mishap: NEMA Confirms Recovery of 3 Bodies |
NEMA confirms the recovery of three bodies after the Sokoto boat mishap in Goronyo LGA. Search and rescue efforts continue for 22 missing passengers.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the recovery of three bodies following the tragic Sokoto boat mishap in Goronyo Local Government Area on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The incident, which involved an overloaded boat carrying 51 passengers, has left 22 people still unaccounted for.
How the Sokoto Boat Accident Happened
Eyewitness reports suggest that the boat, mostly filled with traders and women heading to the weekly market in Goronyo town, capsized due to strong winds and turbulent currents. The boat had departed from a nearby community before disaster struck.
This unfortunate event adds to Nigeria’s recurring cases of inland waterway accidents, often linked to:
- Overloading of boats beyond safety limits
- Lack of life jackets and safety equipment
- Poor regulation of inland waterway transport
- Adverse weather conditions in riverine communities
For more background on similar safety challenges, check out Androidpols coverage on disaster management.
NEMA’s Official Statement on the Rescue
According to Manzo Ezekiel, head of NEMA’s media unit, the three bodies were recovered on Tuesday from Kojiyo, Bari, and Wuci communities.
The recovery efforts were made possible through the combined support of:
- NEMA response teams
- The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)
- The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)
- Local divers assisting with the search
Ezekiel further explained that 22 passengers remain missing, but intensive rescue efforts are still ongoing.
Nigerian Air Force Joins the Search and Rescue Efforts
The NEMA Team Lead, Mr. Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi, also secured the backing of the 119 Composite Group of the Nigerian Air Force Disaster Response Unit (DRU). He briefed Group Captain U.S. Maibuhu on the incident, with the DRU placed on standby for emergency intervention.
Ezekiel noted that dam management efforts have played a crucial role, stating:
“The rescue operation has been aided by dam management efforts, which held back the waters and significantly reduced the river’s water level, improving search effectiveness.”
For authoritative updates on emergency responses across Nigeria, visit the official NEMA website.
Search and Rescue Operations Continue
NEMA has assured the public that search and rescue operations will continue until all missing passengers are accounted for. Efforts are being intensified, with both federal and state agencies working hand-in-hand with local communities.
The Sokoto boat mishap serves as a reminder of the urgent need for:
- Stricter safety regulations on inland waterways
- Public awareness campaigns on boat safety
- Investment in rescue infrastructure in rural communities
Final Thoughts
The Sokoto boat tragedy highlights the recurring challenges of waterway transport in Nigeria. While NEMA and its partners continue search and rescue operations, the event underscores the importance of safety enforcement and disaster preparedness to prevent future loss of lives.
For continuous updates on national safety and disaster response, explore more at Androidpols News Updates.
