At least 40 people have been declared missing after a passenger boat capsized in Sokoto State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed on Sunday.
The ill-fated vessel, which was ferrying more than 50 passengers to Goronyo Market, overturned midway, throwing its occupants into the river.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said rescue operations were immediately launched in collaboration with local authorities, divers, and other emergency responders.
“So far, about 10 persons have been rescued, while more than 40 passengers remain unaccounted for,” Umar disclosed. She assured that NEMA remains fully committed to saving lives, coordinating support for victims’ families, and providing timely updates as operations continue.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the persistent dangers of waterway transportation in Nigeria’s riverine communities, where overloading, poor safety measures, and inadequate regulation often result in devastating accidents.
Authorities have urged boat operators to prioritize safety standards and avoid overloading as investigations into the latest incident continue.
