By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 10 persons were rescued while more than 40 are missing after a boat capsized in Sokoto State yesterday, August 17.
Director General (DG), NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the agency activated its emergency response immediately after receiving reports that a boat carrying over 50 passengers to Goronyo Market had overturned.
“As at the time of this report, about 10 persons have been rescued, while more than 40 passengers remain missing,” Umar said in a statement.
NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office (SOO) has deployed a response team to support ongoing rescue efforts in collaboration with local authorities and emergency responders,she stated.
Boat accidents are common on Nigeria’s poorly regulated waterways, often caused by overcrowding and poorly maintained vessels. The risks increase during the rainy season, when rivers and lakes overflow.
In August 2024, at least 16 persons perished when a wooden canoe ferrying farmers to their rice fields capsized in Sokoto State.
On the latest incident, NEMA reassured the public of its commitment to saving lives, providing timely updates, and coordinating all necessary support for affected families.
PHOTO CAPTION: A capsized boat.
