The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Friday confirmed the rescue of 41 persons and the recovery of four bodies from the recent boat accident in Goronyo, Sokoto State.
According to a statement signed by NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, the death toll rose after another body was recovered earlier on Friday. He noted that a funeral prayer was conducted in accordance with Islamic rites before the victim was laid to rest.
“As part of the Thursday, 21st August 2025 rescue operations, the response team visited four villages: Takuske, Kwakwazu, Bari and Gamiha, where many of the passengers of the ill-fated boat were said to have resided. The visits provided an opportunity to verify the number of persons still missing and to commiserate with families who lost their loved ones. During the visits, it was also confirmed that 16 persons had survived the mishap,” the statement read.
Advertisement
READ MORE: “Choices We Make Individually Shape Nigeria’s Future” – Brymo
The agency further disclosed that the multi-agency search and rescue mission has now been concluded. The joint operation was carried out by NEMA in collaboration with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Goronyo Local Government Authority, and community divers.
Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, commended the combined rescue team for their dedication and acknowledged the cooperation of all stakeholders who contributed to the successful conclusion of the operation.
The tragic accident occurred on Sunday, 17th August 2025, at the Kojiyo village axis of the Goronyo Dam in Sokoto State, claiming lives and leaving several families in mourning.
