At least six people have sadly lost their lives, three others remain missing, while 19 passengers were rescued after a fresh boat mishap hit Sokoto State.
According to Mr. Bala Bello, the Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the accident happened on August 22 at Faji community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. He blamed the tragedy on negligence, overloading of the canoe, and failure to obey safety rules.
A joint rescue team from NIWA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Red Cross visited the community to confirm casualties and continue the search for the missing persons.
Mr. Bello noted that NIWA has been sensitising riverine communities on water safety rules, stressing the importance of wearing life jackets and following standard guidelines.
Sadly, this incident comes just days after another boat accident claimed at least four lives in Dundaye community, Wamakko LGA. The Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Office, Alhaji Aliyu Kafindangi, confirmed that bodies were recovered with the help of emergency agencies, local divers, and the Red Cross.
With two major tragedies in less than two weeks, concerns are rising over the constant boat mishaps in Sokoto and the continuous disregard for safety regulations in riverine communities.
