A tragic boat accident in Garin-Faji Village, Sabon-Birni LGA, Sokoto State, claimed six lives and left three people missing on Friday morning around 5:30 a.m.
The vessel, carrying dozens of passengers, overturned in a local water channel, plunging the community into mourning. Local divers and first responders rescued 19 passengers, but search efforts continue for the missing three, amid fears of a rising death toll.
The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the fatalities on Sunday, noting ongoing rescue operations. “Our teams, alongside local divers, are tirelessly searching the river for the missing individuals,” SEMA stated.
A joint team from SEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Red Cross visited the village to assess the disaster and support affected families.Led by Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Kafin-Dangi of NEMA Sokoto Operations, the delegation met with community leaders and victims’ relatives, offering condolences and pledging continued efforts.
“We will keep searching and work to improve waterway safety,” Kafin-Dangi said. SEMA’s Special Adviser, Hon. Aminu Liman Bodinga, stressed the need for stricter safety compliance by boat operators to prevent future tragedies.
Community members have joined the rescue efforts, providing boats, ropes, and manpower. SEMA announced that a detailed report with safety recommendations will be released soon.
The incident underscores ongoing safety challenges in Sokoto’s waterways, with authorities urging stronger enforcement of regulations to protect rural communities reliant on river transport.
Search operations persist as teams and volunteers work to locate the missing and support grieving families.
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