Sokoto State has once again been thrown into mourning after a boat capsized on Thursday evening in Shagari Local Government Area, leaving scores of passengers feared dead.
The tragic incident — the third boat accident in the state within one month — has deepened concerns about water transport safety in Nigeria’s northern region.
Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Aminu Liman Bodinga, said emergency teams from SEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) had swiftly mobilised to the scene for search and rescue operations.
> “Our men are working tirelessly with local divers and partner agencies. It is a heart-wrenching tragedy, and we will not relent until every possible life is saved,” Bodinga said.
According to eyewitnesses, the wooden boat — overcrowded and without adequate safety measures — capsized mid-river as panic-stricken passengers screamed for help.
One survivor, a young farmer, recounted his escape with trembling voice:
> “The river swallowed us. People were crying, calling for help, but the water was too strong. I don’t know how I made it out. Many of my friends are still inside.”
Local sources say while some passengers managed to swim ashore, many others remain missing and are feared dead. The exact death toll has yet to be officially confirmed.
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