Police confirm 77 people were aboard the boat, with 15 rescued alive as search operations continue in Goronyo.
At least 46 bodies have been recovered following a boat accident in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the state Police Command has confirmed.
The boat, carrying 77 passengers, including men, women and children, capsized on Thursday while travelling through the community. Police spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said 15 passengers had been rescued alive, while 16 others remained missing.
“Forty-six corpses have so far been recovered, while 15 persons were rescued alive. The rescue team, comprising local divers, NEMA, SEMA and the Police, is still searching for the remaining 16 persons,” Rufai said.
The cause of the accident was not immediately known. Rescue operations are ongoing as local divers and emergency responders continue searching the water for the missing passengers.
The incident has thrown Gorau community into mourning, with families anxiously awaiting information about their relatives.
The tragedy has also renewed concerns over the safety of transportation for farming communities located around waterways. The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, called for safer boats, life jackets, trained operators, improved emergency response equipment and alternative crossings, including bridges.
Dan’iya also urged authorities to properly identify and document the victims and provide support to affected families.
He described the incident as a devastating tragedy and said no farmer should have to risk their life simply to access farmland and produce food.
A similar boat accident occurred in Kijio community, also in Goronyo Local Government Area, exactly one year before the latest incident.